Two Arizona firefighters were among three people killed when the ambulance they were riding in was hit head-on by another car in a “horrific” crash, their bosses said.
Brenna Kulikowski, 31, and Damon Thompson, 21, of, were pronounced dead at the scene along State Route 260 near Show Low around 10 p.m., the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District said, announcing the line-of-duty deaths of two of their own.
The driver of the other car also died instantly.
“Head-on collision, extreme damage,” Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District Chief Randy Chevalier told AZ Family. “And I’ve been on a lot of accidents over my career. And it was, it was horrific.”
The two firefighters were on their way back from dropping off a patient at a medical facility when the unidentified driver traveling westbound crossed over the center line and hit the first responders head-on, according to the station.
Kulikowski was with the department for three years and Thompson was just 15 days shy of reaching his first year on the job.
Both were lauded as valued members of the agency by Chevalier.
“(Brenna) was certainly top-notch and such a compassionate person and a fantastic paramedic,” he reportedly said.
“Damon’s parents said Damon always wanted to be a firefighter and he was a dang good firefighter.”
The investigation into the crash is underway as officials across Arizona poured in condolences for the loved ones of the two fallen public servants.
“I’m heartbroken to learn two brave firefighters lost their lives in a tragic crash near Show Low,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement.
“These heroes dedicated themselves to protecting our communities, and my thoughts are with their families, loved ones, and fellow first responders during this difficult time.”
Read the full article here
