In a concerning incident in Safety Harbor, an SUV struck two firefighters, leaving them with significant injuries. The firefighters were engaged in routine duties outside their station when the event occurred, but recent reports signal promising progress in their recovery.
Captain Joseph Hans and Firefighter Ryan Craig were involved in a serious accident when a Cadillac XT5 collided with them at the fire station’s entrance off McMullen Booth Road. Following the incident, Captain Hans was hospitalized with serious injuries but has since been released and is recuperating at home. Meanwhile, Firefighter Craig, who received treatment at the scene, has already resumed his duties, highlighting the resilience and dedication of the fire department staff.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office provided insights into the events leading up to the crash. A deputy had initially assisted the 63-year-old female driver, whose vehicle appeared to be disabled. The deputy suggested she turn into the nearby Chi Chi Rodriguez Driving Range; however, the driver missed this and instead veered into the fire station’s parking lot, where the collision with the firefighters occurred. Fortunately, her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The Safety Harbor Fire Department expressed optimism regarding Captain Hans’s recovery in a social media post, acknowledging the challenges ahead but affirming a positive outlook. They stated, ‘Although Captain Hans still has a long road ahead of him, we are confident he will make a full recovery.’ This public statement underscores the support and hope within the community for Hans’s complete restoration to health.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by emergency responders even in seemingly routine situations. The community’s support continues to be vital as these dedicated individuals work towards full recovery.
Source: Fox13news
