Trooper First Class Charles Straining Rathell, Maryland State Police, Maryland

Trooper First Class Charles Straining Rathell

Maryland State Police, Maryland

End of Watch Tuesday, September 18, 1973

Charles Straining Rathell

Trooper Rathell and Trooper Donald Parkerson were killed when their Bell Jet Ranger helicopter crashed in Beltsville. The crew were attempting an emergency landing after an engine failure.
Trooper Rathell had been with the agency for almost six years.

Bio

Age 27
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

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Most Recent Reflection

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Parkie was a very special guy. On a scale of one to ten, he would be a twenty in likability. He and I were both starters on the SS Peter & Paul high school basketball team in Easton, MD. Parkie was all business on the court, and always gave 100%. You could always depend on him. It was a real tragedy and certainly a shock when I heard of his untimely death. I had just talked with him a few weeks before, and just could not believe that would be our last conversation in this life. In his short life, he made quite an impact on his many friends. Rest in peace good buddy. See you in heaven.

Bill Dickerson
High school friend

April 28, 2015