Monday, May 22, 2017

Firefighter Darrell Plank critically injured in the head by broken fire hose in Macon County, Georgia








A Macon County volunteer firefighter is in critical condition after he was struck in the head by a fire hose.

According to Macon County Fire Chief Micah Kauffman, it happened around 4 p.m. Saturday.

Kauffman says firefighter Darrell Plank was responding to a house fire in a rural area.

While Plank was getting dressed, other firefighters began to set up the hose.

The hose caught a snag and hit Plank in the head knocking him to the ground.

Plank was taken to the Medical Center, Navicent Health where he remains in critical condition.




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MACON, Ga.-- On Sunday, volunteer firefighter Darrell Plank was in the nuero intensive care unit at the Medical Center, Navicent Health. Macon County fire chief, Micah Kauffman said Plank had undergone a surgery after an injury he sustained when he responded to a house fire on Saturday.

Kauffman said 30-year-old Plank loves his job.

"He loved fighting fire, seemed like he was an adrenaline junkie, loved to help, loved to help whoever he could," said Kauffman.



Plank is a father of five, a husband, a coach and a volunteer firefighter for both Montezuma and Macon County Fire Departments.

"He's giving of himself in an unselfish manner, knowing the risks and knowing there is no benefit other than helping a fellow human," said Kauffman.


Plank joined the Macon County Fire Department ten years ago. Captain Roy Yoder was Planks instructor when he first got started. Yoder said Plank was always fully involved when we was at work.

"He's a dedicated firefighter and had a heart to serve. You don't volunteer if you don't," said Yoder.


Yoder said he hopes to see him again because he still has more to teach Plank.

"I'm 61-years-old. The best thing an old firefighter can do for a young one is to teach him how to become an old one," he said.


Yoder and Kauffman said fire departments from all over Middle Georgia have reached out to help in anyway they can. Yoder said the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department opened up their station for the firemen visiting Plank and his family. They said they are grateful for the support.

Plank's brothers also thanked the community for the outpouring of love and prayers.

A Facebook page has been made for Plank. It is called, "Praying for Darrell." The page has posts of Plank's condition.




"The Dr said it's a good thing his fracture is as big as it is so the brain has room to swell. He said it will take a long time and he is still not out of danger. Pray that his blood pressure would stabilize its very up n down!!"