National
Fire Service and EMS Seat Belt Pledge
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In Memoriam: |
January 16,1998
On that Friday night my best friend and I left my dinner
table leaving behind my wife my son and his 2 year old
daughter to a report of a MVC. We boarded the engine
and worked the call. We were on our way back to the
station when for some unknown reason the engine left
the roadway on the right side. When he attempted to
pull the engine back on the roadway, he over corrected
and we overturned and slid several feet on the roof.
He was ejected but I was belted and stayed in the engine.
When I got myself together, I unbelted and found a way
out of the wreckage and found him in the roadway. I
started CPR untill my department arrived. He was pronounced
at the hospital. I did not even receive a scratch. I
am here to tell you that was the worst day of my life.
As a Captain at the time, the hardest thing for me was
knowing I did not make sure my driver was belted. Worse
yet, the hardest thing I have ever had to do was face
his family and my department the next day. I do not
want anyone to have to face that pain so guys PLEASE
make sure you and everyone onboard an apparatus with
you are wearing their seatbelts at all times, if not
for yourself do it for your family.
Keith Powell Deputy Chief
Taylors Bridge Fire Dept.
Let's not fill any
more of these spaces!!!!!!!
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