Story and Photos by Ex-Captain Steve Grogan

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at about 5:15 PM, the driver of a SUV was making a left turn from Peninsula Blvd onto Hempstead Avenue when it collided with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction on Peninsula.  The SUV overturned in the intersection blocking Hempstead Avenue. 

The Lynbrook Fire Department, under the command of Chief John O’Reilly, responded with the Extrication Team, both Medical Company ambulances, and Hose Company.  Luckily, the driver of the overturned vehicle was able to climb out of the overturned SUV.   The two drivers, with minor injuries, were treated by members of the Medical Company and transported in Unit 425 to the hospital. 

Additionally, one firefighter was injured while responding to the call.  The firefighter was driving on Hempstead Avenue about two blocks from the scene of the overturn when another driver, impatient from the stopped traffic ahead, decided to make a U-turn into the now approaching firefighter.  The vehicles collided.  The firefighter’s new vehicle lost a rear wheel.  The firefighter was transported to the hospital in Unit 425A.   Lynbrook Police cited the driver who u turned for unlicensed operation and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.