Jackson Heights (Texas) volunteer Firefighter Jalen
Smith has died in the Line of Duty this evening at East Texas Medical
Center. The 20-year-old was on life support, in a coma, after suffering a major
head injury and a broken back on Friday. Jalen was in the car last Friday
evening, responding on a call, with 2 other Firefighters, when
the crash happened. The 3 members of the Jackson Heights VFD were
involved in that one vehicle rollover Friday night as they were responding
to the call of an accident in the area. They were on their way to their
firehouse in a personal vehicle when the accident happened. 20-year-old Jalen
Smith, 21-year-old Cornelius Redwine, and 18-year-old Gary Robinson, all of
Tyler, were in the vehicle when it rolled over multiple times off of FM 2767
near County Road 387. The preliminary investigation reveals that the driver had
to take evasive action and the car then rolled several times. All three men
were taken to ETMC Tyler Friday night. Cornelius Redwine and Gary Robinson were
treated and released Friday night, and Jalen Smith died this evening. Our
condolences to all affected. RIP.
FIREFIGHTERS
STRUCK & SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALIFORNIA-CAUGHT ON TAPE
3 Firefighters struck and injured yesterday while operating
at a crash remain in serious but stable condition, and their injuries are not
considered life threatening.
Moraga-Orinda Fire District Capt. Michael Rattary; nine-year MOFD veteran FF
Kelly Morris and four-year veteran FF Stephen Rogness -- were injured when that
vehicle traveling east lost control just east of the Wilder Road exit, struck a
fire engine and rolled into the three members.
The crash happened about 0925 hours yesterday. In the initial crash, that
happened prior, Firefighters were evaluating the driver from that crash when a
Chevy Tahoe spun out of control and hit a car, which overturned and collided
with the 3 Firefighters.
FF Rogeness will need surgery to repair a foot that was crushed in the wreck
and a knee that also was injured, FF Morris fractured a kneecap and suffered
ligament damage to her knee, and she also broke a fibula and foot. Whether she
will need surgery was still being determined and FF Rattery suffered a
"significant concussion," and cuts on the back of his head and on his
legs.
