Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour made a personal appeal for a motorist who allegedly struck and seriously injured a volunteer firefighter while he was directing traffic Sunday in Lockport to turn himself or herself in.
Voutour posted on his Twitter account Wednesday an open letter to the driver.
"On Aug. 18, 2019, at 9:40 p.m., my friend, firefighter Ron, was directing traffic at Tonawanda Creek Road and Minnick Road. There was a serious motorcycle accident in the area and Firefighter Ron was called upon to provide safety for the police officers investigating," Voutour wrote in his letter.
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Voutour described the injured firefighter as a 40-year veteran of the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company, who is a married father of two children.
The sheriff expressed that he was personally acquainted with the firefighter and that he lives in the firefighter's fire district.
"Ron is kind, humble and very quiet. He simply shows up and does his job. His spirit is broken knowing that his job and the fire service may now be in jeopardy. He deserves better," Voutour continued in his letter.
The firefighter was reported to have been wearing a reflective vest and had a lighted wand, as well as a blue light that illuminated the side of his truck when the accident occurred, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The vehicle that allegedly struck the firefighter was described as a newer white Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with black pinstriping about 1 1/2 inches wide on the side, running from the front to the rear of the vehicle above the door handle. The pickup, which was headed west on Tonawanda Creek Road, slowed but did not stop, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Authorities said the truck may have sustained front-end or side damage as a result of the accident.
"I don't know who you are, yet," Voutour said in his open letter to the driver.
"I am personally asking you to call me and turn yourself in. My phone number is 716-438-3370," he continued.
"There may be many reasons you left Ron lying in the road. Maybe you were simply scared. Whatever the reason, I'm asking you to do the right thing and turn yourself in. Yes, you will be charged but I can assure you facing a judge after taking responsibility will be much better for you than than facing a judge after we find you," Voutour said.
The sheriff concluded his open letter by offering to personally come to wherever the driver calls from and pick up him or her for transport to the Sheriff's Office.
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