Hinesburg firefighter hit by a car responding to a call

A Hinesburg firefighter is uninjured after being struck by a car while responding to a call Thursday night. "What happened last night is the least common thing I have ever experienced in my 20-year history as a firefighter," said Chief Prescott Nadeau. It happened just after 9 p.m. on Route 116 near Hollow Road. Callers reported a car struck the guardrail multiple times and continued south. Car accidents are common calls for the department."When we are going to a motor vehicle crash, we have an algorithm in mind. We're going to handle any patients that might be there. We're going to handle fluids or debris in the roadway. It's a common call in Hinesburg to go to a motor vehicle crash," the chief said. Chief Nadeau said they were able to stop the car in the northbound lane and had placed chocks on the wheels. As a firefighter was getting up, that's when things took a turn. "This person chose to accelerate forward at that point, impacting the firefighter. He was thankfully uninjured. We were able to keep that between the wheel chocks, and also, the individual chose to stop accelerating for whatever reason," said Nadeau. "I'm extremely thankful because it was more of a light hit with the vehicle. Versus that firefighter being run over." The chief said it was clear the person was impaired. The driver agreed to go to the hospital.The situation in Hinesburg comes a week after a driver dragged a Grand Isle Sheriff's Deputy during a traffic stop. Thirty-four-year-old Kevin Marx was arrested and charged.The deputy has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. In Hinesburg, Chief Nadeau hopes this serves as a reminder to everyone to be aware of their surroundings. "Whether you're an emergency responder, first responder, or just a civilian, head on a swivel holds true," said Nadeau. "Make sure you're constantly aware of your surroundings. You never know what's going through people's minds or is happening in their lives."NBC5 reached out to the Vermont State Police, who responded to the scene, to find out if the driver is facing any charges.