Daytime Fire Crew Credited in Response to Serious Crash on Highway 64

Lawrence County Fire & Rescue says a recent crash response highlights the impact of its supplemental daytime staffing program.

According to a release, crews were dispatched at approximately 2:47 PM Tuesday, April 14 to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 64 East near Marable Road. Units arrived to find both vehicles with significant damage and both drivers critically injured, with one driver trapped inside a vehicle.

Firefighters were able to quickly extricate the trapped patient, assist with patient care, and establish landing zones for two medical helicopters.

Officials say the response demonstrates the effectiveness of the department’s day crew staffing program, which was implemented less than a year ago to address limited volunteer availability during daytime hours.

In this case, the staffed unit responded immediately, arriving on scene within six minutes and freeing the trapped victim within 12 minutes of the original dispatch. Officials noted the unit left the station just 31 seconds after dispatch.

Fire officials say the program has already improved response times and outcomes, and they expressed appreciation to local leaders and the community for supporting the initiative.