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Rapids volunteer fireman injured in Lockport hit and run

A firefighter was directing traffic at the intersection of Tonawanda Creek Road and Minnick Road due to a car crash when he was hit.

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, a driver in a pickup truck hit and seriously injured a volunteer firefighter who was directing traffic in the Town of Lockport Sunday night. 

A fireman from the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company was directing traffic at the intersection of Tonawanda Creek Road and Minnick Road due to a car crash when the firefighter was hit. Police say a truck slowed down going through the intersection but did not stop, hitting the fireman and driving away from the scene.

Following the incident, the fireman was taken to the Erie County Medical Center with serious physical injuries. He was released Wednesday and is now home.

Police say the fireman, who has served the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company for nearly 40 years, was wearing a reflective vest and directing traffic with a lighted wand when the accident happened.

"What should strike everyone in the community is this is a volunteer fireman who donates his time to come out and help others and then he gets hit by a vehicle and the person leaves the scene, that should bother people in the community," said Niagara County Undersheriff Michael Filicetti.

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's help locating the vehicle. According to police, the truck appeared to be a newer white Dodge, Chevy or Ford pickup truck black striping, which may have damage to the front end and/or side.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (716) 438-3327.

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