Off-duty Fla. firefighter attacked, robbed
The Jacksonville firefighter and Army veteran was reportedly assaulted by two men and had his credit cards and cellphone stolen
By Laura French
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Florida firefighter and Army veteran was attacked and robbed while walking home Saturday night.
The Jacksonville firefighter, who has not been publicly identified, said his credit cards, cellphone and other belongings were stolen in the attack, according to News 4 Jax.
A witness said they saw two men get out of vehicle and hit the firefighter in the head with a bat or pole before fleeing the scene.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded to the assault, and Jacksonville Association of Firefighters President Randy Wyse said it was difficult for firefighters to respond to a call involving one of their own.
Officials said the firefighter was injured but is expected to recover.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating the assault and robbery.
News 4 Jax reports that residents in the neighborhood where the attack occurred had been voicing concerns about recent crimes and requesting more police patrols prior to the incident.
There have been nine burglaries, three vehicle break-ins, two car thefts, six other thefts and four assaults in the area of the attack over the past month, according to sheriff's office data.
