By Dan Scanlan
The Florida Times-Union
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Two Putnam County deputies were seriously injured Tuesday night when they collided with each other on Florida 20 near Hollister, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The deputies, 24 and 25, were responding to a call with lights and sirens activated about 7:40 p.m. when the crash occurred west of Motes Island Road, the Highway Patrol said.
“Both have sustained numerous injuries and while not considered life-ending, they have a long road to recovery and are not out of the woods yet,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Both deputies were taken to Orange Park Medical Center by helicopter, where one underwent emergency surgery that lasted until early Wednesday. Both are still considered critical but stable, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Sheriff Homer “Gator” DeLoach met with the families of the deputies after the crash.
“I want to express my gratitude at the outpouring of care and concern our community had conveyed,” DeLoach said. “Both will need continued prayers as they begin the long journey to recovery.”
The Sheriff’s Office has not released the deputies’ names. Both were wearing seat belts.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Crash between Putnam County deputies on Florida 20 critically injures both
(c)2021 The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville, Fla.)