A Union City firefighter was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot inside a fire station late Wednesday night, authorities confirmed.
The shooting incident occurred before the stroke of midnight at Fire Station 42, located just off Shannon Parkway. The firefighter, whose identity remains undisclosed, was quickly transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for medical attention. As per officials, the preliminary investigation suggests the shooting may have been accidental, but full details are still unclear at this point in time.
"At this time, it appears that the shooting was accidental, but it is still under investigation," a release from the Union City Fire Department mentioned, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. They have withheld further details on the shooting, and it was not specified whether the injury was self-inflicted or if another party was involved.
Union City officials have called on the community to come together to support the fire department in this trying time. "The safety and well-being of our firefighters are of utmost importance, and we are working diligently with law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event," Union City fire officials stated in their communication obtained by 11Alive.
The Union City Police Department is actively conducting an investigation into the incident and is urging anyone with information to step forward to aid the process. As the fire department, family members, and the broader community anxiously await more details, the department has extended thoughts and prayers to the injured firefighter and their family.
