Oct 4, 2008 3:01 pm US/Eastern
Funeral Held For Officer Killed In Medevac Crash
GAMBER, Md. (WJZ) ―
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It was an emotional farewell to Trooper First Class Mickey Lippy.
It was an emotional farewell to Trooper First Class Mickey Lippy.
He was one of four people killed in the deadliest Medevac helicopter crash in state history.
Mike Hellgren reports there was a massive turnout for the funeral.
It was an amazing turnout at the Pikesville Firehouse where Trooper Lippy worked part-time with his wife.
He grew up wanting to be a paramedic, even performing CPR on his stuffed animals as a child.
On Friday, his colleagues paused to celebrate his life after the chopper crash that has rocked the state's Medevac system.
The pain was so visible, so new and fresh for those who love and who served with Trooper Mickey Lippy.
"On any given day, you may find yourself in the same situation where, you know, where we're talking about another brother or sister officers," said Dennis Hallion, National Troopers Coalition.
Named after baseball great Mickey Mantle, he was drawn to a great calling.
He was a paramedic saving lives, which is exactly what he was doing in the air when the Medevac chopper crashed near Andrews Airforce Base in bad weather last weekend.
"Some people live to be 100 yet never come close to impacting so many people for the good in the way Mickey did," said Colonel Terrence Sheridan, State Police Superintendent.
Trooper Lippy and his wife Chrissy also worked at the fire company in Gamber. They met at the fire company in Owings Mills and had a four-month-old daughter Madison.
"As the largest brotherhood and sisterhood in the entire world, we're always going to be there for her and help in any aspect necessary to make sure Madison has a proper upbringing," said Bruce Boucher, Gamber & Community Fire Co.
Three others died in that crash, which temporarily grounded all state police medical helicopters. The crash is under investigation.
"They all wanted to be with us here today, but they know that Mickey wouldn't want us to quit. He would want us to press on because saving lives was worth it before this tragic accident, and it's worth it today," said Major Andrew McAndrew.
The processional to the cemetery was more than 10 miles long. It was a sign of respect for one of the good guys who will forever be known as a fallen hero.
Trooper Lippy was buried at the Dulaney Valley Memorial Garden.
Emergency Medical Technician Tanya Mallard will be laid to rest Saturday. It's at 9 a.m. at the North Point High School in Waldorf in southern Maryland.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, pilot Stephen Bunker will be laid to rest at the South Potomac Church in White Plains.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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