Local Coast Guard pilot, commander volunteers in Bandon

The rumbling of engines and the high-powered whirring of wings emanate from the bright red helicopters based in North Bend when they fly over Bandon. The helos not only imply an emergency in progress, but also create a powerful sense of safety for Bandon residents, who know that the U.S. Coast Guard is always on call. Three or four days in any week, the life-saving aircraft is piloted by Bandon’s own Cmdr. Evan Grant, who is a reserve police officer in his spare time.