09/22/2026
One of our paramedics was among the four responders struck Monday night on Westbound I-26 while caring for a patient at a secondary crash.
We are thankful that our paramedic and the three Kingsport firefighters are expected to recover. When one of us is hurt, the whole emergency services family feels it, whatever patch we wear. We will be standing beside all four of them as they heal.
We also want to recognize the responders who stayed on that scene and kept working. In a matter of seconds, they went from caring for the public to caring for their own. They treated their injured colleagues, kept the scene safe, and helped get everyone to the hospital. What they saw and experienced that night can stay with a person long after the call is over, and we are keeping them in our thoughts as well.
To the families and friends of everyone involved, we know those phones calls were some of the hardest you could receive. Thank you for the support you give our responders every day, and especially now.
We are grateful for the Kingsport firefighters who were working alongside our crew and for the staff at Johnson City Medical Center who cared for all four responders. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and prayers for our people.
Our crews work in traffic every day, and nights like this are a reminder of how quickly a call can change. When you see emergency lights, slow down, move over, and stay alert. Don't assume responders can see you or know what your vehicle is going to do. There may be people working in the roadway, patients being treated, or emergency vehicles moving around the scene. The people behind those lights are there to help someone get home safely. They deserve to get home, too.
Please continue to keep all four responders, the crews who worked alongside them, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Chief Kevin Marsh
Sullivan County EMS
