March 05--CHAMBERSBURG -- It's been said that becoming a firefighter is like joining a family whose members look out for each other.
Bob Wall, Chambersburg, served as a member of Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Company in the late 1980s -- and now that he needs help company members are coming to his aid,
Wall, 57, was attacked last week by a truck driver in Rotterdam, N.Y. while on his own truck route, which left him with serious injuries, according to his daughter, Stephanie Wall of Chambersburg.
"No one knows yet what exactly happened but apparently he had been at a truck stop and another trucker had parked him in and he asked the other guy to move," she said. "He reportedly followed him out and went after him."
Wall sustained a skull fracture, broken bones and possible brain damage. His daughter said the assailant has been charged with assault and a hearing is scheduled in several weeks.
Stephanie Wall said he is often confused about where he is and is sleeping most of the time, but is improving.
The fire company has stepped forward to transport Walls via ambulance from the hospital to which he was taken in Schenectady, N.Y. to Meritus Health in Hagerstown.
Stephanie Wall said he is being taken to the Hagerstown facility because of its brain trauma unit and to be closer to friends and family.
"It's about 5 1/2 hours one way," she said. "We can monitor his care here."
Wall also worked over the years with West End Fire and Rescue Company when the family moved in Shippensburg.
Stephanie Wall said the local support has been overwhelming.
"Especially with firefighters and EMS, once you are a part of the family, you are always part of the family," she said.
The trip is scheduled for Thursday, although that could change.
His family has opened an account at F&M Bank for donations toward his treatment under the name "Stephanie Wall for the Benefit of Bob Wall."
Representatives from the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Company did not immediately return calls on Tuesday.
Lauren Cappuccio can be contacted at 262-4754.
Copyright 2014 - Public Opinion, Chambersburg, Pa.
