PASADENA, Texas — A firefighter with the Pasadena Fire Department is back at home and recovering after being struck by a hit-and-run driver Saturday night.
It all happened during the department's annual Santa Project event.
Chief Fire Marshal David Brannon said the firefighter was directing traffic at the intersection of Pasadena Boulevard and Dewberry Lane about 8:40 p.m. That's when the unidentified driver of an SUV rapidly approached and hit the firefighter, tossing him about 30 feet, the chief said. The driver then reportedly fled the scene.
Brannon said the firefighter was responsive and alert at the scene, but he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He has since been released and is back home recovering.
His name has not been released.
"We want to thank all of those who have reached out and have shared their prayers and love to our firefighter," Pasadena Fire officials said.
"As for the Santa Project, it will continue throughout the day with times varying by station. We ask that citizens be patient while driving as traffic can be slowed while Santa makes his rounds through the neighborhoods."
The Santa Project has become a long-standing tradition in the community, during which the firefighters go around in their fire engines, passing out candy and spreading holiday cheer.
Jose Galena lives just a few blocks from where the incident happened.
"Very unfortunate that, that happened to a firefighter, someone who looks out for a community," Galena said.
Galena said they’re glad the firefighter is going to be OK, but the incident has put them on alert.
"That's very concerning to me because I do have kids here," Galena said. "Who knows who’s behind the wheel."