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Detroit fire commissioner defends EMS driving cop to farther hospital

The officer remains in critical condition and is scheduled to undergo brain surgery

By Police1 Staff

DETROIT — Detroit’s fire commissioner is backing EMS’ decision to drive a wounded police officer to a farther hospital.

Detroit News reported that the 14-year police veteran was responding to a domestic violence call when a man opened fire, striking the officer in the face. The wounded officer’s partner returned fire, killing the man.

A nearby EMS crew responded to the incident. However, some are questioning an EMS provider’s decision to pass two hospitals closer to where the shooting occurred.

“A lot of people are confusing time and distance,” Fire Commissioner Eric Jones said. “Something can be a greater distance away, but you can get there faster. It was a judgement call and I’m not going to Monday-morning quarterback his decision. I commend him for the decision he made. The crew wanted to save this man.”

The officer was transported to a level two trauma center, rather than a level one trauma center that was closer.

Police Chief James Craig said, “going forth, if an officer suffers a gunshot wound, it’s my expectation they go to a level one facility.”

Chief Craig said he trusts “the fire commissioner will do a thorough investigation into this matter to find out what took place.”

The officer remains in critical condition and is scheduled to undergo brain surgery.

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