posted January 30, 2025

A commitment to the mission results in many changed lives 

HAGERSTOWN, MD – Jan. 30, 2025 – Two thousand two hundred ninety-two. That’s the number of lives positively impacted by Marion “Buggs” Drake, a longtime lead pilot for LifeNet 8-1 emergency air medical service in Hagerstown, MD. While Drake recently completed his last shift and celebrated his retirement at the base with his teammates, his legacy of service will forever be imprinted.  

“EMS providers in the area all know Buggs. Buggs was one of the best pilots in the business,” said Kris Martin, a volunteer paramedic in Franklin County. “When you called LifeNet and you heard Buggs was the pilot, you were met with a sense of calmness. While I wish him the best in his next chapter, he will be missed.”  
 
Drake, affectionately known by the community as “Buggs,” began his aviation career with the Marine Corps, where he served for two decades before hanging up his wings, or so he thought. It was a friend’s death that catapulted him back into the cockpit.  

“I was done with flying,” said Drake. “But after hearing about a friend who passed away, who was making a difference in the community, I knew my calling was to get back to flying. I didn’t know much about HEMS [helicopter emergency medical services], but I knew I wanted to serve a purpose.” 

He took the necessary steps to get recertified and began his HEMS career at the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Carolina Air Care program, before joining STAT Medevac in Hagerstown. In 2009, when the base faced closure, Drake and his teammates fought to keep it operational, ultimately securing its future under Air Methods’ LifeNet program. Last October, the base celebrated 15 years of service to the community under Air Methods. For Drake, loyalty, base culture, camaraderie, and purpose were what kept him flying. Impacting thousands of lives over the years, he said it’s the kids he will remember.  

“I flew a young child who was hit by a vehicle,” said Drake. “Thank God our clinicians were there to help. It was unclear if she would even make it to the hospital. Fast forward a few years, I was at a community event and got a tap on my shoulder, I turned to see a young girl and her parents. They asked if I remembered who they were. I couldn’t help but tear up and told them, ‘I’ll never forget.’”   
 

Only a few weeks into retirement, Drake said leaving the profession was hard because he loved the heart of the mission – impacting lives and offering a reassuring presence to patients, their families, or his fellow crew members.  

“I’m going to miss the people. I was just the pilot. It’s the clinicians at the base who need all the credit,” said Drake. “If I were ever unfortunate enough to need HEMS, I want these clinicians treating me. They are truly the best in the business.” 

Air Methods teams receive ongoing advanced specialty training, including Level D Full Flight Simulators for pilots and state-of-the-art critical care training for clinicians through Air Methods Ascend. Certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS)—the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry—LifeNet provides hospital-level care during air medical transport, whether from the scene or between medical facilities.  

“Behind the number of people impacted lies a legacy of unwavering commitment, calmness under pressure, and a deep sense of purpose,” said LifeNet Account Executive Ron Brown. “Buggs has been more than a pilot to us. He’s served as a guiding force, a steady hand, and an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.”  

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About Air Methods: 
Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With nearly 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs. 

For interviews, contact:  
Denisse Coffman 
Vice President of Corporate Communications 
Air Methods Corporation 
 
720-666-8499