Suwannee Democrat

September 17, 2008

Accident involved firefighter

Says he was responding to call when struck by ambulance

By Jo Ross



James Earl Linzy, injured in a Sept. 7 accident involving a Hamilton County EMS unit, is a member of the Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, the Jasper News has learned. Linzy said he was responding to the same call as the ambulance when the accident occurred.

As reported in last week’s Jasper News, Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate Linzy attempted to make a left turn from CR 141 onto 26th Trail as the ambulance, which had a clear southbound lane, attempted to pass. According to FHP, the EMS unit struck Linzy’s truck in the left side, causing the truck to flip.

The FHP report did not mention that Linzy was a firefighter and did not include his claim that his emergency lights were on at the time of the accident. In addition, it indicated that charges were pending for Linzy. However, FHP Lt. Patrick Riordan said FHP would look at the case anew in light of Linzy’s statements.

“The accident remains under investigation,” Riordan said Tuesday.