Seaford Fire Officer Struck At Crash Scene; Driver Charged

A Seaford Volunteer Fire Department police officer was struck and injured while directing traffic over the weekend, and the driver who struck him is facing charges.

The officer, who is 83, was at a scene at Cannon Road and Camp Road Saturday night when, according to State Police, he was hit by a vehicle. According to the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, he was stabilized at TidalHealth Nanticoke Hospital, then was flown to Christiana Hospital Sunday morning for treatment.

Delaware State Police said the driver, 56-year-old William Purnell of Bridgeville, is charged with vehicular assault, driving under the influence, driving while suspended and inattentive driving.

The fire police officer at the time was wearing a high-visibility traffic vest, held a lit wand, and his parked vehicle had the emergency lights activated.