Baldwin Fire Chief Hit During Weekend Boot Drive
Chief Joe Roy is recovering from injuries in a Saturday accident
Baldwin Fire Chief Joe Roy is expected to recover from injuries he received over the weekend during a fundraiser.
It happened Saturday morning at the intersection of Georgia Highway 384/the Duncan Bridge Road at Mud Creek Road near Baldwin in Habersham County, according to Georgia State Patrol Toccoa Post trooper 1st Class J. Tucker.
Tucker said Chief Roy along with other firefighters were conducting a boot drive at that intersection to raise money to equip a public safety honor guard that is organizing in Habersham County.
According to Trooper Tucker, Roy did not see the vehicle coming.
“The vehicle was a 2012 Toyota Tundra,” Tucker said. “He was traveling south on Georgia 384 coming through the intersection. The pedestrian was Joseph Roy from Alto. He was standing on the double yellow line facing south at the intersection, so he didn’t see the truck coming. “The vehicle struck the pedestrian in the roadway with its left front headlight and the driver’s side mirror,”
Tucker said the driver did stop and pulled over to the side of the road, while others ran to render aid to Chief Roy.
“Immediately, the vehicle pulled over to the shoulder of the road, did a u-turn back over to the shoulder of the road. Chief Roy landed approximately 15 feet from the area of impact, and was rendered help there,” Tucker said.
Roy suffered serious injuries.
During a press conference Sunday, Baldwin Mayor Jerry Neace said Roy suffered a broken left scapula (shoulder blade); underwent surgery Saturday for repair of a severe laceration to his right arm that nicked the tendon to his tricep; a laceration to the back of his head; and a slight tear in his spleen.
Baldwin officials say Roy has a long recovery ahead but are optimistic he will be able to return to duty.
For now, Roy remains at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he is expected to be for at least a couple of days. Atlanta Fire Department is assisting the family with their needs while at the hospital.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Roy is identified as R.W. Nored of Dahlonega.
Trooper Tucker said the accident remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.