Firefighter killed in St. Louis-area standoff
Its a pretty bad commentary on our country when a firefighter is killed, not because of the fire, but because some bastard is shooting at the firefighters and police officers.
MAPLEWOOD, Mo. (AP)—A gunman shot at firefighters responding to a report of a burning pickup truck early Monday, killing one, then opened fire on other emergency workers, wounding two. The incident began at 5:40 a.m. with a report of a pickup truck fire in Maplewood, a suburban town just southwest of St. Louis. When firefighters arrived, someone began firing shots.
St. Mary’s Hospital spokesman Eric Clark said a firefighter/paramedic from Maplewood was killed. The city identified him as 22-year-old Ryan Hummert. Officials said he was shot to death as he got off the fire truck.
Hummert, the son of former Maplewood Mayor Andy Hummert, began his career in August 2007 after graduating from paramedic training. He graduated from the St. Louis County Fire Academy in March.
“He had been with the fire department for only 10 months but knew it was his calling,” Fire Chief Terry Merrell said at a brief news conference as he fought back tears. “It’s impossible to say in words the emotion and pain we are feeling right now.”
Sanyoz Rai, who works at a 7-Eleven store nearby, said he heard three or four shots at around 5:45 a.m., then saw a police officer go to the ground holding his shoulder. Rai said he then saw a firefighter on the ground behind the truck. He said the firefighter remained there for an hour before authorities could get close enough to remove him.
God bless the brave young man, his family and fellow first responders and may He help the authorities get the scum bag that did this!
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