Mangled Henrico fire engine serves as reminder of dangers first responders face on the road

Three Henrico firefighters narrowly escaped serious injury in late April after a dump truck slammed into the back of their engine while crews were responding to a crash. The incident is renewing calls for drivers to slow down and move over for first responders.

Robert Clark knows the dangers of interstate crashes all too well. The retired firefighter spent 30 years with the Henrico Fire Department — and his son, Brad Clark, followed him into the profession.

But Brad always carried one fear with him on the job.

"He loved the job, but he always told me his biggest fear was the interstate," Clark said.

That fear became reality on Oct. 11, 2018, when Brad was killed in the line of duty.

"On October 11, 2018, my son was with Hanover Fire Department on Interstate 295, tending to a person who had a vehicle crash. A tractor trailer slams into the back of their engine and my son was tragically killed," Clark said.

Seeing the back of a Henrico fire engine reduced to twisted metal in late April brought those memories rushing back.

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