SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The Seminole County Fire Department announced Tuesday one of its firefighters sustained serious, life-threatening injuries after an off-duty motorcycle crash in Altamonte Springs.
The accident happened on Sept. 16 around 1:30 p.m. when firefighter Connor Fernandez had a collision with another vehicle on West Lake Brantley Road and West State Road 436 in Altamonte Springs, according to the fire department.
[TRENDING: Tropics watch: Chances increase for disturbance to develop | Here are the books banned from Central Florida schools | Win passes to Country Thunder music festival | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Fernandez, 25, works the Battalion 1 area that covers Apopka and Altamonte Springs. He is listed in critical condition, according to colleagues.
“It was a lot,” said fellow firefighter Justin Esteras. “I was shocked. Something you don’t really expect to hear at all, ever.”
“We are devastated, but hopeful and doing everything we can to support Connor and his family during this difficult and uncertain time,” read a statement released by the department.
Esteras is organizing a blood drive with OneBlood for him on Thursday, Sept. 22.
“They’re very hopeful,” Esteras said. “He’s improved a lot. His condition’s improved a lot from what he was Friday.”
Seminole County Fire Department #Firefighter Connor Fernandez was in a serious motorcycle accident and in critical condition. SCFD organizing blood drives this Thursday. Appointments recommended with @my1blood. More info, visit: https://t.co/YThGdjpLg0 pic.twitter.com/BCXbpgXzvw
— Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) PIO Media (@scfdpio) September 20, 2022
Blood Drive: Thursday, Sept. 22
Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed.
All donors received a $20 eGift Card and a t-shirt, according to the department.
Casselberry Blood Drive
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Red Bug Lake Park, 3600 Red Bug Lake Rd, Casselberry
Sanford Blood Drive
- 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Criminal Justice Center, 101 Eslinger Way, Sanford
The department has also set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses related to Connor’s recovery.
“It is overwhelming from everybody how quickly the support came, and everybody wanted to do something,” Esteras said.
About 120 came out to the drives and donated 105 units total, which is enough to save 315 lives, according to a Seminole County Fire Department spokesperson.
“Thank you so much for everyone who came out today and also promoting this blood drive for Seminole County Firefighter Connor Fernandez... The community really showed its support,” Doreen Overstreet with the Seminole County Fire Department said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: