Maryland state troopers honor fallen colleague by supporting his daughter at high school graduation
By Breana Ross
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WESTMINSTER, Maryland (WBAL) — A Carroll County student lost her father, but she was far from alone at her high school graduation.
Hundreds gathered Thursday at McDaniel College to celebrate Westminster High School’s graduation, including Maryland State Police troopers and first responders who came together to honor the daughter of a fallen trooper.
Tearful hugs marked the moment as 18 state troopers and first responders stood in place of TFC Mickey Lippy, Madison Lippy’s father, who died in the line of duty on Sept. 28, 2008.
“I think it’s really special to know that my dad is still being remembered by everyone, even so much later, and that they want to be here for me when he can’t, and I think it’s just really special and it means a lot,” Madison told WBAL-TV 11 News.
TFC Lippy, 34, was a flight paramedic who died in a Medevac helicopter crash. The helicopter was taking two teenagers to a hospital during severe weather. The helicopter struck trees in Prince George’s County while attempting to land, killing four people, including TFC Lippy.
“He was on board that night to save other people’s lives, and unfortunately, he lost his life doing just that,” said AJ McAndrew, a former commander of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.
McAndrew, who gave Lippy his flight wings and stood by the family at his funeral, attended the graduation to support Madison, who was just a baby when her father died.
“Last time I saw Maddie was 18 years ago,” McAndrew said. “I’m proud to be here to represent the Maryland State Police as a retiree and to be here to cheer on Maddie.”
Two rows of troopers, flight medics and an Anne Arundel County firefighter stood as Madison walked across the stage. A surprise flyover took place in tribute to her father’s legacy.
“They’ve paid a debt that we, as a society, can never repay, but one of the things that we can do is be sure that we remember their loved ones, their family members, and perpetuate their memory,” said Lt. Jon Hill, an assistant commander of the licensing division for the Maryland State Police.
The troopers previously honored TFC Lippy’s memory by standing in at Madison’s eighth grade graduation and her prom. They pledged to continue supporting her for future milestones.
“Whatever her desires are, whatever she pursues, we are going to be there,” Hill told WBAL-TV 11 News.
As Madison celebrated her graduation, wearing her father’s flight wings on her chest and his class ring on her finger, she knows her father is with her — and so are the troopers who stand in his place.
“I think it has just been a very special day. I didn’t expect all of it, but I’m very happy that everyone was able to come,” Madison told WBAL-TV 11 News.
Madison said she plans to become an EMT to help others and follow in her father’s footsteps.
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