CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A fire lieutenant remains hospitalized Monday after being struck by a vehicle at a crash scene Sunday evening.
Chattanooga Times Free-Press reported that Lt. Larry O’Rear was seriously injured when he was struck by a car while working a wreck. He was flagging traffic at the time when a red Mercedes struck him, sending him over the passenger side of her vehicle.
“He’s one you want in your group. He’s one when you hear the name, your heart goes to your feet,” said Chattanooga Fire Department Executive Director Chief Chris Adams.
Fire officials described Lt. O’Rear’s injuries as serious, but not life-threatening. He is said to be in stable condition.
A 19-year veteran of the department, Adams is confident O’Rear was following all safety measures.
Police said the driver of the vehicle that struck Lt. O’Rear’s is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.
“Unfortunately, people get distracted and don’t always see us,” said Brian Blumenberg, a traffic investigator with the Chattanooga Police Department. “It’s very dangerous. We try to park in a way to protect us, and the car we’ve pulled over. If you’re not moving over, and you have the ability to. We will cite you for that.”