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Ga. firefighter loses leg after fire engine crash

DeKalb County Firefighter Eboni Kennedy lost a leg and has undergone multiple surgeries as a fundraiser seeks to help cover medical costs

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County firefighter is facing a lengthy recovery after an on-duty crash earlier in December that resulted in the loss of her leg, officials said.

Firefighter Eboni Kennedy was one of three people on the fire engine at the time of the crash and suffered the most serious injuries, Atlanta News First reported. Officials said she underwent a leg amputation and sustained additional injuries that will require multiple surgeries.

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A GoFundMe has been launched with a $100,000 goal to help cover her medical expenses.

Kennedy spoke from her hospital room, where she has spent the past two weeks and undergone four surgeries, after being injured in a crash while responding to a call on Rockbridge Road. FOX 5 Atlanta reported the fire engine hit a tree, trapping the crew inside.

Kennedy joined the department in August after completing 10 months in the fire academy, and said she hadn’t planned on becoming a firefighter but felt called to serve in a new way.

Now facing life with her left leg amputated, Kennedy said she is grappling with the loss of a firefighting career she had only just started.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Support Eboni Kennedy's Recovery After the Accident

Eboni Kennedy, a Dekalb County professional firefighter, was severely injured in a vehicle crash while responding to a call. She suffered catastrophic injuries including the loss of a limb and faces multiple surgeries and a long recovery. This fundraiser helps cover medical bills and support her family as she heals.

Donate to the GoFundMe

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.