Memphis Fire Chief Gina Sweat is calling for tougher penalties after two firefighters were struck by a vehicle along an interstate.
One firefighter, who suffered a broken leg, remains hospitalized, while the other was released, WREG reported.
Police say the suspect was driving in an emergency lane when his car plowed into the paramedics.
Reginald McKenzie has been charged with DUI, failure to stop for emergency vehicles, reckless driving, and failing to exercise due care. He reportedly told police he had several drinks prior to the crash. He also has three previous DUI charges, the station reported.
Sweat told reporters Sunday: “I woke up just really angry, and I’m really angry because our firefighters and our paramedics work tirelessly on the streets of Memphis day in and day out, and more and more we are becoming the victims of motor vehicle crashes,” said Sweat told reporters.
Sweat said she and the mayor are discussing the issue. "..We’re going to be going to the state and asking for stiffer penalties for people who create these kinds of situations for our first responders and injure them."
On the department's facebook page, the chief wrote: “Seriously Memphis drivers, it is ridiculous that you continue to crash into our Fire & EMS apparatus but when you seriously injure our 1st responders it is unforgivable. Slow down and move over so we can do our jobs without fear of being assaulted by your vehicles.”
