By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
LUBBOCK, Texas — The family of a Lubbock firefighter critically injured in a crash that claimed a colleague and a police officer in 2020 has announced his unexpected death on Nov. 26.
Lubbock Firefighter Matt Dawson was injured in January 2020 while working at the scene of a motor vehicle accident when a pickup truck struck the first responders, KCBD reported.
Lubbock Fire Rescue Lieutenant Eric Hill and Lubbock Police Officer Matt Nicholas Reyna were also working at the crash scene and died in the line of duty.
Dawson suffered a traumatic brain injury and long-term disabilities.
During his recovery, the Matt Dawson Act was passed by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. The law amends the labor code extending lifetime workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who sustain serious bodily injury while on duty that prevents them from performing any gainful work.
KCBD reported that Dawson was also a supporter of the 5-5-5 Safety Initiative founded by the parents of Lieutenant Eric Hill.
Dawson retired from the fire department and was recognized as an Unsung Hero in Lubbock.
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