LifeFlight of Maine celebrates 20 years of life-saving care at dedication ceremony

Husson University student Tristan Kaldenberg, 20, of Littleton, Mass talked about the day he was injured in a head-on collision in 2017 and was transported to the hospital by LifeFlight. LifeFlight of Maine held an event monday marking the 20th year the organization has been in service. (Gabor Degre | BDN)

On Monday, LifeFlight of Maine celebrated 20 years of service at a dedication ceremony and open house at the LifeFlight base at the Bangor International Airport.

The event brought together paramedics, pilots, patients and Northern Light Health leaders for a morning to reflect, tour the aircraft, visit the crew and celebrate the program, which has made strides in emergency medical care in the state.

Waterville’s KC Ford was one of the three LifeFlight patients present at the event.

Ford was traveling from Matinicus Isle to Owls Head when the small plane she was flying in crashed in the ocean shortly after takeoff. Ford managed to escape the wreck and was in the water for 45 minutes before being reached by paramedics, including the Matinicus Ambulance and LifeFlight, among others.