A sad day in EMS today

[1080iAddict]

In addition to my photography, I volunteer as a firefighter and EMT in Baltimore County, Maryland. Last Saturday night, Maryland State Police Aviation Trooper 2 (helicopter) crashed during a trauma transport. For those that do not know, the State of Maryland has the top rated helicopter trauma transport system in the United States and operates 8 helicopters across the state. This was a HUGE loss. The pilot (Maryland State Police Officer), Flight Paramedic (also Maryland State Police Officer), an EMT-B volunteer from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, and a trauma patient, all were killed in the crash. A fifth passenger, another trauma patient, is in critical condition as I write this. Both trauma patients were involved in a motor vehicle accident in P.G. County, Maryland and were being transported to a trauma center at the time of the crash.

Today was the funeral of Mickey Lippy, the Flight Paramedic, in Baltimore County, MD. I stood a post along with my crew on the Baltimore Beltway. I snapped a few before the camera was stowed away before the casket of Mickey Lippy passed by our engine. The funeral procession was 13 miles long. Never have I seen anything like this sign of respect. Police units from as far away as Texas and Indiana attended. Probably 2000 or 3000 police and fire units in the procession.

The first is our station getting ready to stand the post after the beltway was closed. The remaining are some random shots during the 13 mile procession.

So sad. Mickey did the job he LOVED. He was a Maryland State Police Flight Paramedic. His absolute dream job.

May he rest in peace.

[1080iAddict]

A few more during the procession.....

[FlyingPhotog]

As a pilot, I hate hearing of such accidents. It's doubly sad when it involves a Life Flight.

Very true what you say about Marylands flight ops. Unfortunately, they're being painted with the same broad brush that is currently coloring the entire medical helo system.

[Specialized]

Gives me goosebumps. Great shots, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.

[1080iAddict]

Images of the actual aircraft that was lost can be found here:

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=N92MD&distinct_entry=true

This is a thread on the accident from the moment it occured - links are within that thread for additional stories.

http://www.thewatchdesk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44604

Adam

[fireman93514]

Awesome turnout to honor a fallen hero. Thanks for sharing.

[Michaelsb]

Very thought provoking shots, as English man living in the U.K the scale of the tribute paid to these people is very humbling, I cannot imagine that this would ever happen over here for fear of offending someone new to my country!

[mike ca]

What a turnout for some real American hero's! thank you for sharing!

[Flo]

A touching tribute.

[BottomBracket]

Moving event and photos, Adam. thanks for sharing.

[fireplug]

Yes, That was a sad day indeed. I'm glad to see there was a great turnout for this. Thank you for those photos.



Hey Adam where do you ride? I'm right next door to you (Harford County).

[1080iAddict]

Company 50 Chestnut Ridge

[fireplug]

oh ok, I'm at Co. 4 Abingdon

[LW Dail]

A little choked up here. Thank you for sharing what you guys face all of the time.

Thanks to all of you.

[Maureen Souza]

Very sad yet very touching. It is always so tragic when something like this happens.

We had an officer killed here last winter (stopped to help someone and they grabbed his gun and shot him in the head) and the turn out was very similar. Children even walked to the roadway with flags and saluted the hearse, and the downtown all stopped their workday to stand on the overpasses as the procession went down the highway.

[Apshiso]

A fitting tribute in your )our) own way - My family's thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragedy. Thank you so much for posting these images...

[JawsofLife252]

They made the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in peace.

[Richtherookie]

Sad news. RIP brothers

[medicdude]

sorry so late on this, but good to see such a great turnout.

[ANGUS]

Awesome shots. Very sad story but i must say, no where holds funerals for emergency personal that they really deserve like they do in America, Well done guys, im sure he deserved it. RIP.