SANDSTON, Va.- Henrico County Division of Fire Chief Anthony E. McDowell presented a certificate of commendation to Staff Sgt. Johnathan Hoggatt of the Virginia National Guard March 11, 2014, in recognition for his actions assisting a Henrico firefighter after his personal vehicle flipped off Interstate 295 in Hanover County.
Hoggatt was headed home Monday morning, March 3, after working the night shift in the Virginia Guard Joint Operations Center in Sandston when he witnessed Firefighter Alex Grant's car flip several times off the icy road.
Hoggatt quickly pulled over and started taking actions to assist the driver of the overturned vehicle.
Richmond TV station WWBT NBC 12 first reported the story, saying, "A hero comes to the aid of another hero." According to their report, Hoggatt used the medical bag he keeps in his car to check the firefighter's vital signs, then braced his neck and and covered him in a sleeping bag. Hoggatt then waited on site with a Virginia State trooper until an ambulance arrived.
"I'm just doing my job," Hoggatt told NBC 12.
Grant was transported to VCU Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries. He is still sore and has been in training classes this week with the hope of returning to full duty at Firehouse 3 in Sandston by the end of the week.