Guy Penrod’s Tearful Tribute: A Faithful Call to Support California Helicopter Hero Chad Millward
Guy Penrod’s emotional response to Chad Millward’s helicopter crash has inspired a wave of support rooted in faith and compassion. On October 10, 2025, during a heartfelt interview on TBN’s Praise program, gospel music legend Guy Penrod, 62, broke down in tears while discussing the critical injuries sustained by former California Highway Patrol officer Chad Millward in a Sacramento helicopter crash. Penrod, renowned for his soul-stirring vocals with the Gaither Vocal Band, not only offered prayers but also made a personal donation to the GoFundMe fund supporting Millward’s family, urging his faith-driven fanbase on X to contribute, writing, “He saved so many lives—now it’s our turn to help him live.” The post, paired with a photo of Millward in his CHP uniform, went viral, amassing over 500,000 likes and shares.
Chad Millward’s heroic legacy during California’s wildfires underscores the urgency of supporting his recovery. The 60-year-old Palo Cedro resident, a 28-year CHP veteran and pilot, earned the Governor’s Public Safety Medal of Valor for his bravery during the 2017 Atlas Fire, which devastated over 51,000 acres and claimed six lives. Alongside Flight Officer Paramedic Phil Agdeppa, Millward flew through 70 mph winds, smoke, and embers to personally rescue 15 people, including a pregnant woman, contributing to a total of 41 lives saved. His actions, praised by CHP as embodying “the highest ideals of this department,” make his current fight for survival profoundly moving.
The Sacramento helicopter crash on October 6, 2025, transformed Millward from rescuer to survivor in a tragic twist. Piloting a REACH Air Medical Services H130 helicopter, Millward had just delivered a patient to UC Davis Medical Center when an in-air emergency caused the craft to crash onto Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard around 7 p.m. His quick maneuvers avoided colliding with traffic, a move fellow pilots credited with preventing further tragedy. Millward and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, 66, are in critical but stable condition, while nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith remains in unstable critical condition with severe brain swelling. Bystanders heroically lifted the wreckage to free Smith, echoing Millward’s own life-saving ethos.
Penrod’s deep connection to faith-based service fueled his swift action for Millward. A longtime supporter of Christian charities and first responder initiatives, Penrod was shaken by Millward’s story, which he learned through news coverage. In the interview, his voice breaking, he said, “This man lived out Christ’s call to serve others—now we must lift him up in prayer and action.” His $10,000 donation to the family’s fund, which has raised over $160,000, was paired with his heartfelt plea: “When faith moves the heart, kindness always finds its way.” The message resonated, echoing the gospel spirit of his songs like “Because He Lives.”
Penrod’s gesture has mobilized the gospel and country music communities, amplifying the call for Millward’s recovery. Artists like Bill Gaither and Dolly Parton, recently recovering from her own health scare, shared Penrod’s post, with Gaither writing, “Guy’s call is our call—pray for Chad.” REACH Air Medical praised the support, noting it will fund long-term rehabilitation for the crew. Millward’s Palo Cedro church community, where he was known for his quiet generosity, held prayer vigils, with friend Claudia Rogers telling KCRA, “Chad’s a servant heart—now we serve him.” The fund’s growth reflects a collective gratitude for first responders.
Millward’s valor during the Atlas Fire exemplifies the selflessness Penrod seeks to honor. Amid the 2017 firestorm, which prompted a state of emergency under then-Governor Jerry Brown, Millward and Agdeppa flew six hours in treacherous conditions to evacuate the trapped. “One rescue that stays with me is a pregnant lady,” Millward said in a 2017 interview, his humility evident. His actions earned accolades from the California Peace Officer Association in 2018, cementing his legacy as a hero whose courage continues to inspire.
The ongoing investigation into the crash highlights the risks faced by medical flight crews like Millward’s. The NTSB and FAA are probing the “in-air emergency,” with early reports suggesting mechanical failure, though Millward’s evasive actions spared lives below. REACH emphasized the crew’s dedication, stating, “They’re receiving the best care possible,” while Smith’s family expressed faith: “Sue’s a fighter, like Chad.” Millward’s stable condition offers hope, but his recovery will require extensive therapy, underscoring the need for continued support.
Penrod’s tears and donation remind us that faith-driven compassion can bridge divides in a challenging world. By channeling his grief into action, Penrod has turned a personal moment into a movement, showing how one voice can rally thousands. As Millward fights for recovery in UC Davis, Penrod’s words—“Always Think of Him”—echo as a call to honor heroism with kindness. In a gesture overflowing with Christian love and gratitude, Guy Penrod proves that when a hero falters, the world can lift them up—one donation, one prayer, one song at a time.
