MALLARD, Tonya M.
MSP Aviation Command ~ Camp Springs ~ Maryland
Waldorf VFD ~ Charles County ~ Maryland
September 28, 2008
At approximately 2300 hours on September 28, 2008, MSP Aviation Command Trooper 2 was requested by Waldorf Fire & EMS to the scene of a motor vehicle crash in Charles County. Trooper 2 arrived with a 2 person flight team consisting of MSP Pilot Steven H. Bunker & MSP Trooper First Class/Flight Paramedic Mickey C.Lippy.
It was decided that Trooper 2's mission was to med-evac 2 critically injured teenagers to PG Hospital -Trauma . Flight Paramedic Lippy requested an additional EMS provider from the accident scene to board the aircraft and assist with patient care during transport.
Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department EMT Tonya M. Mallard was on the accident scene as part of Waldorf A-128's crew; and, having heard the Flight Paramedic's request for assistance, EMT Mallard stepped up.
Trooper 2 left the Waldorf crash scene and headed for PG Hospital-Trauma with 2 patients and a flight team of 3 onboard .
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During the flight to PG Hospital-Trauma, Trooper 2 encountered severe weather and Pilot Bunker diverted to Andrews Air Force Base in order to rendezvous with two ambulances who were on scene and waiting to complete the transport of the patients by ground.
Shortly before midnight, Trooper 2 crashed several miles short of the runway. A ground search was initiated and the wreckage was found in Walker Mill Regional Park.
Tragically, Pilot Bunker, TFC/Flight Paramedic Lippy, EMT Mallard, and one of the patients, were fatally injured in the crash. The second patient was severely injured, but survived.
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TFC/ Flight Paramedic Mickey C. Lippy had served with the MSP since his appointment on October 1,2004.
Prior to his MSP appointment, PM Lippy served 4 years as a career Firefighter/ Paramedic for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and had been a part-time Engineer /Paramedic for the Gamber & Community Fire Company since 2004. PM Lippy had served as an active member of the Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Company since 1994. "Mickey was a stellar individual, an impressive paramedic, a great guy, the type of person people would emulate". Trooper First Class/Flight Paramedic Mickey Charles Lippy was 34 years old and had served for 14 years.
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MSP Pilot Stephen H. Bunker had served with the MSP since his appointment in 1972, having first worked as a Trooper and then became a pilot in 1984. He received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation during his service including the "Hero Award" from the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. He retired as a Corporal from MSP Aviation Command in July 1998 but remained with Aviation Command as a civilian pilot. "He was a hard working, fine individual, who was very dedicated to his work." MSP Pilot Stephen H. Bunker was 59 years old and had served 36 years.
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