A veteran West Metro Fire Rescue firefighter was critically injured while training Wednesday morning. 

Firefighter/Paramedic Jarrod Leonard fell nearly 50 feet while West Metro members were conducting high-angle rescue training near Morrison around 11 a.m., according to a statement from the agency. They described the area as steep and rocky.

Leonard, a 23-year-member of the department, suffered critical injuries and was transported to the hospital. 

The department said Leonard serves as a technical rescue instructor who helps "train firefighters in the specialized skills needed to perform rescues in some of the most challenging environments."