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Blackshear fire captain critically hurt while directing traffic in school zone

A fire rescue captain is badly hurt after being hit by a car while directing traffic.

The injured first responder is Capt. Johnnie Anderson, 59, who has served the Blackshear Fire Department for more than 30 years.

“Lots of people in our community call Johnnie ‘Mr. Blackshear.’ He knows everybody, he’s friends with everybody. Willing to do whatever we can for whoever he can. Just a great overall person,” Police Chief Chris Wright said.

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Anderson was directing traffic in a school zone at Highway 84 and County Farm Road around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when a driver hit him.

He was flown to UF Health Jacksonville with serious injuries, including several fractured vertebrae, a head injury, bleeding on his brain and a lacerated pancreas, according to police.

Family made their way to Jacksonville as prayers started pouring in on Facebook.

As community members sent their regards for the “kind and humble” man, others wondered if the crash would mean changes to the stretch of road.

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Wright told Action News Jax reporter Brittney Donovan that the Police Department has been asking the Georgia Department of Transportation for a red light at the intersection for five years.

He said each time, the request has been denied.

“We just need folks to slow down and be prepared to stop at all times when they see emergency lights and especially a person on the roadway,” Wright said.

Georgia State Patrol is the lead investigating agency in the crash. A spokesperson said Anderson was wearing a reflective vest and had emergency lights on his vehicle at the time.

Troopers are still investigating, and said no arrests have been made.

Anderson's family sent Action News Jax a statement, saying the support from surrounding communities has been tremendous. It's asking for continued prayers for a full recovery.

The Police Department set up a bank account for anyone who wants to help with the family's costs as Anderson undergoes surgeries and recovery in Jacksonville: