Tempe firefighters playing pickleball nearly hit by speeding car
TEMPE, Ariz. - It was a close call for a group of Tempe firefighters who were outside their fire station playing pickleball when a car came speeding toward them, causing them to rush out of the way.
"It was just a matter of seconds, really," said Interim Fire Chief Darrell Duty. "It was so fast"
Video released by the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Dept. shows the incident, which happened on March 12 near Baseline Road and McClintock Drive. Four Tempe Fire Station No. 3 firefighters were playing pickleball in the parking lot when a speeding car hit a fire hydrant and crashed into a number of parked cars.
"They heard some screeching tires, and turned around to see a vehicle heading straight for them," said Interim Chief Duty.
The firefighters' training kicked into gear after the crash.
"They approached the car, made sure it was safe, rescued the driver, and provided medical aid," said Interim Chief Duty.
The driver was hospitalized. Tempe Police investigators have determined that the driver had a medical crisis.
"The firefighters went from running for their lives to running to help the driver," Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Interim Chief Darrell Duty said. "This shows the professionalism of these firefighters."
None of the firefighters were hurt.