The Florida Highway Patrol said an SUV driver drove on to the shoulder to avoid traffic when they struck the firefighter.
A Bonita Springs Fire & Rescue firefighter was struck directing traffic at a vehicle crash on I-75 while directing traffic on Gulf Coast News Now reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol told Fox 4 News that the 51-year-old firefighter was helping direct traffic at the crash scene when he was struck. Police said he was wearing a reflective vest.
"Doctors remain positive about his progress. He continues to receive excellent care, And we are grateful for the ongoing support and prayers from our community," fire officials announced on the department's Facebook page Sunday night.
The SUV driver drove on to the inside shoulder to avoid traffic that had slowed down due to the previous crash when it struck the firefighter, police told WINK News.
"Just before midnight, Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District responded to an emergency incident on I-75," the department shared on Facebook. "During the course of this response, one of our battalion chiefs was struck by a vehicle. Our battalion chief received advanced medical treatment on scene and was taken to our local trauma hospital. He remains in critical but stable condition. We are thankful for the excellent care he is receiving at Gulf Coast Hosital."
Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse. He has worked at Firehouse since 1999, serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, NY, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, NY, and Laurel, MD, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood, NY. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, MN, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the Fort Worth, TX, Fire Department.
