The Byron Township Fire Department has taken two direct hits recently.
The latest was on Tuesday night when one of their rigs was hit on a ramp onto a highway as firefighters were responding to a crash.
While one of the sliding doors was damaged and not functional, the vehicle remains in service, Byron Township Deputy Fire Chief Tony Bennet told WOOD.
But, that wasn't the case when the tanker was hit in February. It sustained extensive damage after it was hit on U.S. 131. While the rig is being repaired, other companies are dispatched to provide water.
Both incidents had things in common -- no firefighters were hurt and the civilian drivers were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
“It just comes down to being distracted. We’re the casualty to the whole thing...I know we’re out there for one emergency and we always got to be vigilant of all of our surroundings, so unfortunately the highway is starting to become more of a safety issue for us.”
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.