Humane society, ‘Baywatch’ star honor Garden City air traffic controller killed in Ukraine-Russia war

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KWCH) – A commemorative event celebrating the life of a lifelong Garden City resident, Air Force veteran, air traffic controller and animal advocate took flight on Sunday with an actor known for his role on an iconic TV show joining the cause.

On Sunday, the Finney County Humane Society partnered with the Zach Scheiman Memorial for the Zach Scheiman Memorial Wings of Rescue Flight, an effort expected to continue on a yearly basis.

Scheiman, an air traffic controller in Garden City for 11 years, died last year in Ukraine, serving as part of a medical evacuation unit in Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Sunday would’ve been Scheiman’s 41st birthday.

The flight that departed Garden City Regional Airport early Sunday morning transported adoptable animals from the Finney County Humane Society to partner rescue organizations.

Joining the mission to honor Scheiman was actor David Chokachi, known for his role on “Baywatch.” Chokachi served as the Flight Lead on the Zach Scheiman Memorial Wings of Rescue Flight.

“Baywatch” actor David Chokachi served as the Flight Lead for the First Annual Zach Scheiman Memorial Wings of Rescue Flight, honoring a lifelong Garden City resident and Air Force veteran who died serving as a volunteer in Ukraine’s war with Russia.(Finney County Humane Society)

Beyond his service that included his time in the U.S. Air Force and volunteering as a civilian with a Ukrainian Special Forces Medical Evacuation Team, Scheiman, a 2003 Garden City High School graduate, was known for service to his community and for passionately advocating for animals.

Zach Scheiman surrounded by animals.(KWCH)

“Those who knew Zach remember him as someone who consistently put others before himself and worked tirelessly to make every community he touched a better place,” the Finney County Humane Society said.

Chokachi’s involvement happened through the partnership with Wings of Rescue, a national nonprofit organization “dedicated to flying at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters, disaster areas and emergency situations to communities where they have a greater chance of adoption.”

“This event is about more than transporting animals,” said Stacey Carr, Finney County Humane Society Marketing Director ahead of Sunday’s flight. “It is about honoring a man whose life was defined by compassion, service, and a genuine love for animals. Every pet that boards this aircraft represents the hope and second chances Zach believed every life deserves.”