Retired CT Firefighter Dies from Line of Duty Injuries

Mar. 31 -- A retired West Haven firefighter and paramedic died Friday from injuries he sustained in the line of duty more than 19 years ago. James "Woody" Woodman, 55, died Friday in Colorado Springs, CO, according to the West Haven Professional Firefighters.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Woodman had been on the job for only two days when the crash occurred on October 5, 1999. He was a member of the Recruit Class #15 at the Connecticut State Fire Academy. He was part of an ambulance crew transporting a child who had been struck by a vehicle to Yale-New Haven Hospital. As the ambulance approached the hospital it was broadsided by a bus and rolled over multiple times. 

A traumatic brain injury Woodman suffered during the crash resulted in his living in a long-term care facility until his death on March 29. The child who was being transported and other crew members of the ambulance have made complete recoveries

The date for a memorial service will be set at a later date by family. "Please keep the Woodman family in your thoughts and prayers," West Haven Professional Firefighters said in a Facebook memorial post. "Rest Easy Woody," said a comment on the post from David Evans. "You were a man with a plan. It was great riding with you at Stratford EMS and was excited when you made it to become a firefighters. You are at peace now. Watch over us and keep us safe."