Dennis Whitehead

I was born and raised in New York State, and have lived in the Upper Peninsula since 1980. I’m an emergency physician at Dickinson County Hospital in Iron Mountain, and EMS director for the county and the surrounding region. I fell in love with the UP during my first visit here at the age of 19. My work brings me in contact with people from all walks of life in every conceivable situation.

Yoopers (as we call ourselves) are pretty tough folks, not the type who run into Emergency Departments for every little problem. We’re a long way from big medical centers here, and I’ve often felt frustrated for my patients at the delays involved in getting them to specialized medical centers when the need is urgent. I know firsthand how important Northwoods AirLifeline is to the people who live here.

In 1995 I realized a lifelong dream when I received my private pilot’s license, and quickly went on to earn instrument and commercial ratings. Not long after becoming a pilot I met NWALL’s founder Bob Larson, who suggested I might use my love of flying to help others. It is a pleasure for me to give something back to the community, helping others in need by doing something I truly enjoy.

I live in the country about 12 miles north of Iron Mountain, and am blessed with two wonderful sons, Gabriel and Zachary, and two beautiful daughters, Lana and Veronica. (My oldest son Patrick was taken from us in an accident in 1998; I often feel he is sitting beside me in the cockpit when I’m flying alone at night.) My commercial rating has given me the opportunity to fly professionally for Pioneer Surgical Technology in Marquette, a corporation which has graciously made their twin engine Seneca available to our patients. I’m also fortunate to fly charters for Superior Aviation in Kingsford, another company which enthusiastically supports our ogranization. When I’m not flying planes I enjoy jumping out of them, and also like climbing mountains and playing hockey. I’m very grateful to have the chance to work with Northwoods AirLifeline, and hope you will consider supporting the work we do.