Fire truck flips en route to burning bed

June 22, 2009

Patti Dozier The Times Enterprise Mon Jun 22, 2009, 10:09 PM EDT

THOMASVILLE — Two Thomas County firefighters had to be cut from a tanker that overturned en route to a structure fire early Saturday afternoon.

The driver of the 1982 International tanker, full-time firefighter Terrence Blake, 26, Thomasville, is recuperating at home from bruising suffered in the wreck about 1:25 p.m. at Ga. 188 and Patten-Coolidge Road. Blake was treated at the Archbold Memorial Hospital emergency room and dismissed.

The passenger, Terrence Redoing, 33, Thomasville, a volunteer firefighter, also was treated and dismissed.

The tanker was traveling east on 188 toward Pavo, when it made a right turn onto Patten-Coolidge and flipped.

“That was when the truck actually rolled over on its side,” said Chris Jones, Thomas County Fire Department chief.

Emergency medical technicians and fellow firefighters provided extrication to remove the firefighters, who work at the Coolidge fire station.

“They ended up having to take the extrication tools and cutting the top off the truck,” Jones explained.

The cab and tanker were destroyed. Damage to loose tools in the vehicle is estimated at $26,000.

The vehicle and equipment were insured. Coverage has a $10,000 deductible, according to Twink Monahan, county clerk.

The tanker was en route to a structure fire on Doc Sherrod Road when it overturned.

Other Coolidge firefighters responded to the blaze at a doublewide mobile home and found a one-room fire that was contained to a mattress in a bedroom. Jones said the cause of the fire is not known.

Blake was wearing a seat belt. Redding was not.

The chief said Redding will receive a verbal warning. “After six months, that will disappear,” Jones added.

Sgt. Tracy Tabb, at Thomasville Post 12 Georgia State Patrol, said no one was cited in the wreck.

“Wearing a seat belt is not required in emergency vehicles,” Tabb said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.