Line of Duty Death
Emergency Medical Technician
Tonya Michelle Mallard

WVFD Press Release, October 4, 2008

The members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department and the Kenneth Mallard family celebrated the life and accomplishments of Emergency Medical Technician Sergeant Tonya Mallard today. Among the more than 700 people who packed North Point High School in Waldorf were the Honorable Governor Martin O'Malley, Congressman Steny Hoyer, numerous members of the Maryland State Senate and House, the Charles County Commissioners, Colonel Terrence Sheridan, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police and Charles County Sheriff Rex Coffey. Hundreds of firefighters, emergency medical services personnel and police from virtually every part of Maryland and Virginia paid their last respects to their sister EMT along with numerous family and friends.

"Tonya's smile was like a beacon to all of us" stated Chief Daniel Stevens of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department. "She was a ray of sunshine - a beacon to others. Her attitude, enthusiasm, and energy were endless."

Leaving North Point High School under a flag draped arch formed by two ladder trucks, a procession of 87 emergency vehicles led over 200 cars through Charles and Prince Georges County around the Washington and Baltimore beltways to her final resting place at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium. A "'last alarm" was sounded as she passed the Waldorf VFD Westlake Station 12. Hundreds of emergency vehicles were stationed at intersections and overpasses along the route and emergency responders stood at attention and saluted Tonya as she passed by. Transported in the same ambulance she last responded in, EMT Sergeant Tonya Mallard entered her final resting place under a flag-draped arch formed by two ladder trucks. Over 600 people accompanied Tonya on her final journey.

"Tonya will always live on in our hearts and forever ride with us as we continue to provide exemplary service to our community" said Chief Stevens.

During this incredibly difficult time for the entire Maryland Emergency Services family, the members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department stand ready to support the Maryland State Police and send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Pilot Stephen Bunker, Trooper 1st Class Mickey C. Lippy and patient Ashley Younger.

At 10:46 PM on September 27th, the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of a motor vehicle collision on Smallwood Drive at New Forest Court involving two cars. EMT Mallard was the aide on Ambulance 128.

Upon arrival, responding fire and medical personnel treated four patients for injuries resulting from the incident. Two patients were transported to Civista Medical Center by ground transport. Maryland State police helicopter Trooper 2 responded to transport the remaining two patients to the local trauma center. Since two patients were aboard the helicopter EMT Mallard served as the additional provider for the second patient along with the flight medic.

Due to deteriorating weather conditions, Trooper 2 was rerouted to Andrews Air Force Base to continue transport by Ambulance. While enroute to Andrews, communication was lost with the helicopter. A search was conducted and the helicopter was located in Walker Mill Regional Park in Prince George's County Maryland. Four of the five passengers on Trooper 2 were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time and currently under investigation.

EMT Mallard was 38 years of age and is survived by her husband Ken Mallard and two sons Kenneth and Julian.

The members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department are deeply saddened by the loss of our sister Tonya. We also wish to express our condolences to the Maryland State Police and the families of Pilot Stephen Bunker, Trooper Paramedic Mickey Lippy and patient Ashley Younger.