SMITHFIELD – Smithfield Police are investigating a hit and run accident that damaged a fire truck. The accident was reported at 9:19pm Wednesday on US 301 near Brogden Road.
Police said a Four Oaks Fire Department truck was traveling northbound on US 301 in the right lane when a vehicle in the left lane crossed over into the right lane striking the side of the fire truck.
The at-fault vehicle did not stop at the scene. The fire truck sustained approximately $1,000 in damage.
The fire truck was not on a call at the time The crew was traveling to the hospital to pick up a firefighter who had driven an ambulance to the emergency room for Johnston County EMS, following a first responder call in Four Oaks.
No injuries were reported. Police are following up on leads.
I get the feeling this will get 10x the attention a hit and run that cost me thousands obtained. Also what a waste of money to use a fire truck as a taxi, get a corolla
Agree.
Just saying they were probably on their way to eat some place.
What happens when you’re in the Corolla when you get the next call for help, you’re miles away from your equipment. Think ahead a little bit.
It takes more than one person to pick someone up? Short staffed? Ok call an uber
You do not understand how laws work regarding operating personal vehicles while on company time. It is not just with fire departments, it is with any company. They do not want the liability of your vehicle if you were to be involved in a crash on company time. That is standard everywhere.
I was a firefighter with the FDNY. Once you are on duty the Engine is with you and you are with the Engine anyplace you go just to ready for the next call even if it was a food run, all went. I understand how you feel but that is standard operating procedure, so you are ready to roll. Also being one man short on a crew can cause lives. The only other alternative would have been for the Chief to make the hospital run.