Raleigh Lt. Kissinger Injured In MVA

This morning, Harry P. “Flip” Kissinger IV was injured in a vehicle accident on his way home from work. Harry is 35 and lives in Wake Forest. He is also a Lt. with the Raleigh Fire Department.

Harry was injured this morning when a car and school bus collided. The bus traveled across the center line, struck Kissinger’s truck and they both ended up in the ditch with the bus on top of his truck.

Here is the thing…

Harry is 35
I will be 33 in January
Harry has two children – both girls
I have two children – a boy and a girl
Harry is married
I am married
Harry has been on the department for 12 years
I have been on for 11
Harry is a Lt.
I am a Lt.

This just kinda hit home a little bit more… Say a little prayer for him and his family tonight at the dinner table.

God Bless Lt. Kissinger and his family.

You can view coverage and comments here: Raleigh/Wake Firefighting Blog,  WRAL, WTVD, NBC 17, and News & Observer.

Here is the press release:

City of Raleigh Fire Department’s Lt. Harry P. “Flip” Kissinger IV was critically injured on his way home after his tour of duty this morning.

The three-vehicle accident occurred on Ligon Mill Road. at approximately 6:30 a.m., near the intersection of Louisburg Road. A school bus was involved in the collision. The drivers of all three vehicles were transported to area hospitals for treatment and observation. Seven children were on board the school bus. None were injured. Lt. Kissinger was the only critical injury. He was pinned in his vehicle for approximately 45 minutes before rescuers could free him from the vehicle. He was transported to Wake Medical Center where he is being treated for a variety of injuries including a significant head injury.

Lt. Kissinger joined the City of Raleigh Fire Department on Oct. 27, 1997. lt. Kissinger is currently assigned to Fire Station 6 on Fairview Road. He married and has two daughters. Family, co-workers, and friends are currently standing by at Wake Med. awaiting word from the medical staff.