Slice of life: Trooper 3 pilot says his faith has seen him through

Being a Maryland State Police Trooper 3 pilot strengthens Russ Zullick's Christian faith every day.

"Going to help, it's kind of what Christianity is supposed to be about," said Zullick, 53. "You know that a fellow human being is in trouble, and you're here to help."

The Arendtsville, Pa., resident has been a state police pilot since 2007 after having spent about 25 years in the military, mostly stationed in Alaska. He said he has been flying helicopters since 1979.

Zullick was raised in Allentown, Pa., and joined the U.S. Coast Guard right after high school. He said his plan at the time was to be in the Coast Guard for four years, then go to college to study criminal justice and become a Pennsylvania state trooper.

After spending four years in the Coast Guard, Zullick did end up attending Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, where he was awarded a three-year scholarship from the Army ROTC. He said this meant having a commitment to join the Army once his studies were complete.

Zullick served five years in the Army, where he underwent flight training. He was trained by several pilots who had flown in the Vietnam War.

"You were really training for something you hope you never had to do," Zullick said.

He said he then applied to rejoin the Coast Guard as a helicopter pilot.

"It made for a fairly seamless transition," he said. "In the Coast Guard, you are mostly training to do something you are really looking forward to doing, and that is getting people out of tough situations."

Zullick stayed in the Coast Guard for 17 years, during which he said he did several high-seas rescues but never served in a war zone. He said he had several experiences flying "in the worst weather conditions you will ever be exposed to."

When he retired from the Coast Guard, Zullick said he had planned to stay in Alaska; however, he ended up moving back to Pennsylvania to help take care of his stepmother, who was terminally ill.

Zullick said he knew of Maryland State Police's reputation and was encouraged to apply by his sister-in-law. He said that after a lengthy application process, he was assigned to the Frederick Barrack because of its proximity to Pennsylvania. Zullick said he initially thought he would stay for only two years, but that has evolved.

"Being here, it's a really, really rewarding place to work," Zullick said. "You never know what you're walking into here — it's just so diverse."

Flying Trooper 3, Zullick said his missions include law enforcement, homeland security checks, emergency medical services, and search and rescue.

"A lot of these missions we do, they morph into each other," he said.

Mike Perkins, Trooper 3 supervisor, said Zullick is systematic and conscientious while flying, and a father figure to staff members once the helicopter has landed.

"He's like an informal counselor. As a supervisor, it's awesome," Perkins said. "He helps with life matters, but he's not overbearing."

Perkins called Zullick "the epitome of integrity" and a man who is deeply religious and patriotic. He said Zullick has been featured on the Discovery Channel reality show "Deadliest Catch" about some of his deep-sea fishing finds.

Zullick has been married to his wife, Deborah, for 25 years, and they have a 13-year-old son, Russell IV. He said his interests include hunting, fishing and doing anything outside. He said he still plans to eventually move back to Alaska.

He said some of the more memorable parts of his job have been later meeting someone who he helped to save. He said he has seen instances of people looking near death but then living, but also people initially looking like their injuries are minor, but later dying in the hospital.

"I don't believe we save lives. We extend people's lives," Zullick said. "We realize that we are not in charge. If you try to figure it all out, you'll just be driving yourself nuts."

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