Adair firefighter one of two seriously hurt in C-ville incident

An Adair County man has been confirmed as one of two firefighters who suffered serious injuries in Taylor County earlier today while helping Campbellsville University band with a “cold water challenge.”

According to officials, Tony Grider, 41, of Columbia, and Simon “Alex” Quinn, 22, of Campbellsville, were in the bucket portion of an aerial ladder truck that was used in the event.

After the conclusion of the challenge the men were attempting to put the extended portion of the truck into its travel position when they crossed the electric energy threshold of a nearby power line, causing an electric arc to strike both firemen.

Two other firefighters, Capt. Steve Marrs, 44, and firefighter Alex Johnson, 28, were on the ground at the time of the incident and assumed control of the aerial apparatus in an attempt to lower it to the ground.

Both Marrs and Johsnon received electric shocks from current traveling down the extended ladder.

Grider was lifeflighted from the scene by Air Evac to U of L Medical Center Burn Unit where he is listed in critical condition.

Quinn was transported to Taylor Regional Hospital where he was also transferred to University of Louisville Medical Center Burn Unit.

Both Johnson and Marrs were transported to Taylor Regional Hospital where Marrs was treated and released and Johnson was admitted for observation and later released.

Police Chief Tim Hazlette advised that the department received the call of firefighters injured at 11:47 a.m. and that the incident left most of Campbellsville and part of Green County without power until approximately 2 p.m. EST.

The incident remains under investigation by the Campbellsville Police Department, investigators from the Kentucky Fire Commission, and U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Grider, a 16-year veteran of the Campbellsville Fire Department, has also been a member of the Adair County Fire Department since March 2004 and has been a part-time employee at the Adair County Ambulance Service for 17 years.

The Adair County Fire Department will host a prayer vigil for Grider and Quinn tonight at the department, located at 200 Merchant St., at 7 p.m. All public is invited to attend.

Stay tuned to www.adairvoice.com or our Facebook page for updates as we receive them.