'I was very lucky,' Waltham, MA, Firefighter Says after Off-duty Tree Limb Encounter

When an off-duty firefighter heard a limb cracking, he immediately warned others before it came crashing down on him and his dog.

"The first thing I thought was I didn't want that car to get smashed  It was.in the direct path of the tree," Waltham Fire Lt. Selvin Sandoval told WCVB.

So, he told an Amazon delivery driver and Framingham public works employees about the danger.

Shortly after his warning, the large limb fell on him.

"I was very lucky. I crawled out, I couldn't see because I was covered in blood."

He was transported to a hospital where he received staples to close a gash. His dog was not seriously injured.

"I'm very dizzy, I have some aches and pains, I have multiple abrasions, but that's the least of my worries." 

His wife, Melissa told a reporter: "Knowing how serious it could have been, I'm just so thankful."

Waltham Fire Chief Andrew Mullin said of his firefighter's actions: "We are also very proud to learn that Lt. Sandoval took actions prior to the tree limb falling that protected others from being hurt. I can assure you that the entire family of the Waltham Fire Department – our members and their families will do everything possible to support Lt. Sandoval and his family."

 Melissa, his