STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (WUSA9) --Two volunteer firefighters from Stafford County were suspended after transporting an 18-month-old to a hospital in a fire engine.
20-year veteran firefighter James Kelley says he and another colleague made the decision to rush an 18-month-old to the hospital in their fire engine after they say they calculated other responders would take much longer, and put the child's life at risk.
Kelly says the infant lived, but he and his colleague were suspended because the engine is licensed as a non-transport unit.
Kelley says Stafford residents are more at risk, now that he and his colleague are sitting it out.
"I would not hesitate, I would do the exact same thing 100 percent 10 times out of 10. I sleep well at night knowing I provided good care to that young lady," Kelley said.
Stafford Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Chief Mark says he's unable to comment while this potential regulatory compliance issue is under review.
