At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Nassau County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, three members of the county fire and rescue department were acknowledged for their heroic efforts to stop a runaway car with occupants inside. The incident took place Nov. 4, 2023, as described by Fire Chief Brady Rigdon.
“The crew of Engine 30 B was traveling east on SR200. While stopped at a red light an officer …looked back and waved at two young passengers in the vehicle next to them. As the light turned green, Lieutenant McAlee noticed the same vehicle swerving ahead of them and nearly running into other vehicles on SR200. Lieutenant McAlee instructed his driver Engineer Joseph McGee to catch up with the vehicle, which was moving at a moderate speed. While doing so, Lieutenant McAlee noticed the driver seemed to be having some kind of medical emergency and slumped over the wheel. He could see the terror in the eyes of the teenaged girl in the passenger seat.
“He directed Engineer McGee to move ahead of the car and position in such a way that would prohibit the car from striking any other unaware vehicles in oncoming traffic. The car slowed down in front of the engine without striking it, jumped the curb and continued traveling down the sidewalk.
“Lieutenant McAlee instructed Engineers McGee and Newman to jump out of the engine and run down the vehicle, which was now heading toward a car that was stopped at a stop sign … They were able to catch up to the vehicle on foot, have the passenger hit the unlock button and open the driver’s door all while the vehicle was still in motion. They then were able to apply the brake and place the vehicle in park before it had an opportunity to strike any other object, people or vehicles.
“They did not second guess the order to stop the vehicle and performed flawlessly under pressure. This was a particularly unusual incident, unlike any other incident we train for, and they went above and beyond to ensure the safety and to prevent injury to not only those in the vehicle but any other unsuspecting citizens nearby that could have been impacted, as well.
“The driver of the vehicle, who was unconscious upon initial evaluation, was subsequently treated and transported to a nearby hospital without any further incident. The crew of Engine 30 B, being in the right place at the right time, performed admirably as they do on a regular basis and had a tremendous impact on the safety of the citizens of Nassau County.”
The firemen were nominated by their peers for designation as employees of the quarter.
Military retiree and former county construction inspector Pat Gilroy was celebrated for his 25 years of service in county government. Gilroy continues to work as a plans reviewer with the planning and opportunity department.
County Manager Taco Pope said about Gilroy, “I have known Pat my entire career … When I was a young planner I … overheard a contractor calling him ‘pat-tik-u-lar’ because Pat is so particular about getting work done … His due diligence in reviewing projects both in the office and the field is what makes sure the infrastructure gets put down …”
The board unanimously authorized an amendment to allow construction to begin on two roads within Liberty Cove Nassau. They also unanimously authorized the county manager to review possible acquisition of land that has come available for a regional park and watershed protection with the understanding the final decision would rest with the board.
Commissioner Klynt Farmer reminded all that the Westside Optimist Club is seeking vendors and sponsors for a car show on June 1. For more information, contact Commissioner Farmer.
Commissioner A.M. Huppman reminded the public that county strategic planning sessions will be held on Feb. 29 and March 1 out at the FCCJ campus. Said Huppman, “This is where we review the upcoming year and upcoming five years so the idea there is for folks to be engaged and watch the process in an open public forum with the commission and all the staff. It’s where you find out what’s going on for the next five years so encourage folks to come out and be part of that process.”
Commissioner Alyson McCullough reminded folks of the upcoming book festival and authors expo Friday, Feb. 23.
Commissioner Jeff Gray announced the Community Stewards of Yulee is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 honoring firefighters and first responders in our county. The parade will begin at the Robert M. Foster Justice Center. They are encouraging businesses to enter a car, truck or float in the parade. Interested parties can reach out to Commissioner Gray.
All commissioners were present for the meeting which was held before an audience of around 30 people.
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