Firefighter Brooks Gower Recovering After Being Struck by Vehicle

UPDATE: Firefighter Brooks Gower is recovering in hospital after being struck by a vehicle during a response to an incident on October 29, 2023. The incident occurred on Highway 97 south near Groundbirch, just 45 kilometers west of Dawson Creek, B.C..

According to a statement from Dawson Creek Fire Rescue, Gower was attending to a single-vehicle accident when he was hit by a passing truck traveling at approximately 70 km/h. His wife, Tryna Gower, revealed that her husband’s injuries are severe: he suffered multiple fractures in both legs, a broken arm, nine broken ribs, and five broken vertebrae.

“This is devastating,” Tryna told CBC’s Radio West, recounting the moment she received the news from Fire Chief Marcel Capelle. “I was absolutely shocked.”

Brooks was working under challenging conditions, with blizzard weather, freezing rain, and thick fog, when the accident occurred. The driver who struck him remained at the scene and has been deeply affected by the incident, Tryna noted.

“The driver is upset about what happened and is following Brooks’ recovery,” she said. “Our lives are now changed forever, but so is the driver’s.”

Community support has poured in from Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Fort St. John, showcasing the strength and compassion of the local residents. “The community support has blown my mind. I can’t even describe how good people are,” Tryna expressed.

Brooks is currently in the trauma ward at Vancouver General Hospital, and thankfully, he is no longer in critical condition. Fellow firefighters have visited him, providing much-needed morale during his recovery. Tryna emphasized the importance of mental strength during this difficult time, noting that Brooks is expected to start physiotherapy soon and has no spinal damage.

“His body is pretty shattered,” Tryna stated, but she remains hopeful for a full recovery, as his bones heal. She aims to raise awareness about road safety in the wake of this tragic event, stressing the importance of caution, especially in adverse weather conditions.

As Brooks continues his recovery, family, friends, and the entire Dawson Creek community are rallying around him, demonstrating the profound impact of unity in times of crisis.

For updates on his recovery and ongoing support initiatives, follow local news sources.