Growing concern for first responder deaths (WI)

[TowNews]

Local officials concerned with growing number of first responder deaths nationwide

 

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FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WBAY) - The numbers are alarming: In the first two weeks of 2020, seven first responders were hit and killed while doing their jobs on roadways across the country.

 

"These are unnecessary deaths. They are absolutely preventable," says Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O'Leary.

 

The deadly start to the new year has caught the attention of local public safety officials.

Dashcam video caught a near miss in Fond du Lac County on a snow covered road last year, the deputy scrambling out of the way.

 

Another squad car was totaled following a crash back in November. The squad was parked at a crash scene when another driver plowed into it.

 

According to Capt. William Tadych with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office, "Our deputies are constantly looking about, and their heads are on a swivel, looking for that, listening to a car screeching as it's putting on the brakes or swerving out of control. They're conscious of it because they know it's putting them in a bad position from past experience."

 

In both of these instances everyone walked away unharmed, but getting hit by another driver is a danger first responders face every time they're on a call.

 

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