TUCKAHOE — A member of the Tuckahoe Volunteer Fire Company suffered a medical issue and crashed his vehicle while returning from the scene of a fire Feb. 3 in Corbin City.
The man, who was not identified, was headed back to the station after battling a chimney fire at a home on the 600 block of Route 50 when the accident occurred.
Tuckahoe Chief Edward Carter Sr. reported the man was being treated in the intensive care unit at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus in Galloway Township.
“Our fire company family member is still in the OCU, but [doctors] are optimistic on his recovery, although it will be a long one,” Carter stated in a letter to the public dated Feb. 7. “His family is asking for continued prayers and support, as are the members of his fire company family.”
Carter stated that firefighters were dispatched to the scene of the fire at about 7 p.m.
“Upon arrival, it was found to be a chimney fire and the first due crew went straight to work to extinguish with other incoming units reporting to their preassigned jobs. After approximately 45 minutes, all units were released from the scene,” Carter stated.
While units were returning to the station, members of the Tuckahoe company and the Upper Township Division of EMS were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on the 200 block of Route 50 in Corbin City.
“Due to units all returning to station, arrival on scene was very quick. Crews found a vehicle crash involving a member of Tuckahoe Fire, who also was returning to the station, had an apparent severe medical event that resulted in the crash,” Carter stated in the letter. “Tuckahoe Fire and UT EMS crew immediately began working to revive the patient and quickly transported to AtlantiCare.”
STORY by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff