RI firefighter critical after hit-and-run crash

Matthew Gallant has been on the job since 2013 and is a well-liked member of the department who comes from a family of firefighters

October 25, 2015 11:00 AM

Providence Journal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Matthew Gallant, a fourth-generation firefighter, remained hospitalized in critical condition Saturday after his pick-up truck was struck by an SUV in a head-on, hit-and-run collision at 2 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.

Gallant, 27, was off duty at the time of the accident on the Smithfield Ave. overpass, near Silver Spring Street, police said.

The driver who struck Gallant’s vehicle had fled the scene before police arrived, and was not apprehended, according to a police report.

Firefighters worked for at least 30 minutes to free Gallant from his vehicle, the report states. Gallant was rushed into surgery at Rhode Island Hospital. A hospital spokesperson said late Saturday afternoon that Gallant remained in critical condition.

Acting Providence Fire Department Chief Scott Mello said Gallant is a rescue technician with the Rescue Company 4, working out of the Washington Street Station.

Mello said Gallant has been on the job since 2013, and is an enormously well-liked member of the department who comes from a family of Providence firefighters including his father, retired Battalion Chief James Gallant, former Chief Michael Dillon, and two other uncles who are still Providence firefighters: Capt. Joseph Dillon and Lt. William Gallant.

Mello said the accident scene was especially hard on the other young firefighters working on him, who had attended the training academy with him.

“We all know one another. We are all one big family,’' Mello said. “This is very unfortunate what happened. We are all praying for him and his family.”

At midday Saturday, Mello said he understood from Gallant’s father that he was out of surgery to stabilize his injuries, but still facing multiple other surgeries.

Paul Doughty, president of the firefighters labor union, International Association of FireFighters, Local 799, posted this tweet on Saturday: “Thoughts and prayers for off-duty PFD member critically injured in hit and run mva last night in PVD.”

Fire-based EMS Hit-and-Run Vehicle Crash