By Leila Merrill
MESA, Ariz. — Firefighter-Paramedic Tyler Packer is in critical condition and has had surgery after being injured Friday in a crash that killed fellow Salt River Fire Department Firefighter-EMT Brendan Bessee, 12 News reported.
Bessee was driving the ambulance as they were responding to a call with the lights and siren on when the ambulance and a semi collided.
Packer joined the department a few months ago, but Capt. Ray Martinez said that Packer fit in right away.
“We have a rotation right now where our guys are standing by at the hospital nonstop until he wakes up,” Martinez said.
Martinez has faith that Packer will recover and said he is missed in the department.
“He’s definitely a fighter. Very strong-willed. Very strong-minded person,” Martinez said. “So if anybody can pull through something like this, it’ll be him.”
East Valley Firefighter Charities is raising funds for Packer and his family.
The semi driver has since been released from the hospital.
The Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.