Fresno,CA FF Hurt in Engine Accident

[Guest]

Get well fast and =D> =D> on the quick reaction, saving that baby's life !!!

Firefighter Hurt in Fire Truck Accident

April 10, 2005 — A Fresno County fire truck flipped in an accident in rural Fresno County. Afterward, the driver of the other car took off running with his baby girl.

The fire truck did not have its lights and sirens on and was not speeding to any emergency. It was simply heading back to the station when a car pulled out in its path at Temperance and American.  

Two firefighters were inside the Fresno County truck when a small compact car pulled out in front of them.

The driver of the fire truck swerved to avoid the small car with a 19-year-old man and a baby inside.  

"Had that not happened, two people probably would have died," said officer John Layfield, from the California Highway Patrol.  

The fire truck lost control and flipped and caught fire.  

Steve Bedoian, who lives nearby where the accident occurred, explained what he saw, "One firefighter was laying on the ground. The other saying you're going to be all right."  

But, the driver of the small car tried to flee on foot with the child. He had no identification.  

Meanwhile, neighbors were alarmed to see firefighters hurt and an engine destroyed. But, they said they are used to car wrecks at the rural intersection.  

Names of the firefighters involved have not been released, but one of them was hospitalized with moderate injuries.  

The driver and baby passenger of the other car involved were not hurt, but the 19-year-old was arrested for suspicion of felony hit and run.  

Firefighter Heroes

Investigators say the accident could easily have been deadly. They're crediting the quick thinking of the firefighter driving the engine, saying he did the right thing.

CDF battalion chief Kim Pennington says it was a tough call for many emergency personnel to respond to. "Nobody likes to hear officer or firefighter down," he said.  

Luckily, the firefighters involved only had moderate injuries, but it's their actions that many are praising.  

California Highway Patrol officer John Layfield says in the ten years he's worked in Fresno County, he can't recall the last time a fire truck involved accident.  

"Very large rigs, very heavy. The fact they were able to do what they did and save a baby's life, kudos to them," says Layfield.  

The accident is a financial set back. The fire truck involved is one of the newer engines, worth $250,000 and considered a total loss.  

The truck was carrying 700 gallons of water and weighs about 17 tons.  

The CDF battalion chief says likely a reserve truck will now be used, and that service will not be affected by the loss of the engine.

[Guest NYTruckie]

=D> =D> =D> Get Well, Great Job

[JBE 328]

Feel better guys. Ya dun good.