By FireRescue1 Staff
DUNDALK, Md. — A volunteer firefighter died last weekend while he was changing a tire on the side of a highway.
Probationary firefighter Robert Peros was changing a tire on his father’s vehicle Dec. 3 when they were both struck by a passing car. Peros’ father survived, but is currently hospitalized for shock trauma, reported FOX45.
Peros joined the Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company in April.
“This year is definitely going to be different for us … this is the first time we have have this kind of tragedy,” EMT Lt. Amanda Mertens said. “He was a great guy. He was dedicated to his family, he loved his kids.”
Lt. Mertens said colleagues and members of the community have stepped in to support Peros’ family and pay for funeral expenses.
“We have toy drives going on. We are trying to prepare clothing for the children … I know the school has stepped up where the children attend … So the community has really come together to help this family,” Lt. Mertens told ABC.
The department will hold a Christmas holiday train garden Saturday, and will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Peros’ family.
He leaves behind a wife and seven children.