See latest Baldwin Fire Chief released from hospital
Baldwin Fire Chief Joseph “Joe” Roy is recovering in an Atlanta hospital after being hit by a truck during a charity boot drive in Habersham on Saturday. Baldwin Mayor Jerry Neace held a press conference Sunday to update the public on Chief Roy’s condition. He thanked the public on behalf of the Roy family for all of the prayers and support they’ve received since the accident happened.
Chief Roy has been Baldwin’s Fire Chief for 19 years. He was struck by a pick-up at the intersection of GA 384 and Mudcreek Road around 10:44 Saturday morning while collecting donations for a fundraiser. According to the State Patrol, Roy was standing on the double yellow line facing south of the intersection when a Toyota Tundra driven by 69-year old R. W. Nored of Dahlonega drove through the intersection on a green light and hit him. Authorities say Nored pulled over immediately after impact. No charges have been filed at this time. The Chief was life flighted to Grady Memorial Hospital’s Trauma 1 Center. Neace said Northeast Georgia Medical Center was not chosen because it’s a Trauma 2 Center.
“…by the grace of God, he is way better than he could have been.”
Roy suffered serious injuries, including a severe laceration to his right arm that nicked the tendon in his tricep. Neace says that was repaired during a two hour long surgery on Saturday. Roy also sustained a laceration to the back of his head which was repaired in the emergency room with staples. His left scapula is broken and there’s a slight tear in his spleen doctors are monitoring but, the good news is, he’s expected to be released from the hospital in the next couple of days.
Mayor Neace emphasized Roy’s recovery will be long, and he’ll likely require rehabilitation. “When you’re struck by a vehicle, it is not good; but by the grace of God, he is way better than he could have been. He is just incredible,” Mayor Neace said.
Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Tyler was at the press conference having just returned from a visit with Chief Roy. Tyler told reporters, “the Chief was in really good spirits.” Tyler told of the overwhelming amount of support received from the City of Atlanta Fire Department, Station 4, which is approximately two or three blocks from Grady Hospital. The Department welcomed the Chief with one of their fire trucks and their personnel escorted him into the hospital. Chief Hood of the City of Atlanta has made certain the family has accommodations and meals.
Habersham County Fire Chief, Jeff Cain, says money from the charity boot drive Chief Roy was participating in was to help start a local Honor Guard. Right now the Honor Guard that serves at funerals for fallen public safety officials comes out of Forsyth County. Local firefighters have been training and preparing to offer this service in Habersham and surrounding counties. The boot drive was a fundraiser to get it started.
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Since the accident, many have questioned whether fundraisers should be allowed to be held in local intersections but that wasn’t the focus of Saturday’s press conference.
Assistant Chief Tyler reiterated Baldwin Fire Department’s gratitude, “The support of all departments in our area has been tremendous. From offers of coverage to genuine concern, the love and respect for Chief Roy is evident.”
As Habersham County Fire Chief Cain remarked, “Each department may serve different areas but they are all one big family.”
Cards for Chief Roy may be sent to the Baldwin Fire Department at 165 Willingham Avenue,
Baldwin, GA 30511. Contributions to the family may also be sent to the fire department. A fund may be established at a local bank soon.
