SALEM, Connecticut — A veteran firefighter was killed Saturday evening after being struck by a minivan in Salem, Connecticut State Police said.
State police said a Dodge Grand Caravan SE was traveling north on Route 354 around 6:55 p.m. in an area with no lighting or marked crosswalks.
Willis Sands, 69, of Salem, was walking home from a "Trunk or Treat" event at the firehouse on Old Colchester Road when he was fatally struck by the minivan, state police said.
The people inside the minivan had no reported injuries. State police said the driver remained on scene after the crash and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Sands was a member of the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company for almost 50 years, having started in 1981. He was also a well-known firefighter and paramedic who served throughout New London County and the City of New York, according to the Chesterfield Fire Department.
"Our hearts are heavy with grief during this rough time," The Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company wrote in a tribute on Facebook.
The Gardner Lake Fire Company continued, "Firefighter/Paramedic Willis Sands was an amazing individual who lived and breathed everything emergency services for almost 50 years. Our condolences to his family, friends, and his fellow brothers and sisters in emergency services."
Sands was also a recent member of the Chesterfield Fire Company. Outside of the Fire and EMS service, the fire department wrote in a post on Facebook that he was "quick with a joke and a smile," "had your back while offering a helping hand," and "was giving of his time, knowledge and experience."
State police said the crash remains under investigation, and that anyone with information is asked to contact TFC Greg DeCarli #1090 at Troop K, 860-465-5400.
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