Leading fire fighter Mark Kennedy escaped permanent eye injury from shattering glass when unknown villains threw a rock at Boronia CFA’s truck, shattering a window.By SHAUN INGUANZO
A BORONIA fire fighter was rushed to hospital last week after a ‘cowardly’ rock attack blasted glass into his eye.
Boronia Country Fire Authority members were fuming after rocks were thrown at their fire truck’s rear passengerside window causing it to shatter, while returning along Scoresby Road from the scene of a callout Saturday night 10 September.
A small piece of shattered glass entered the left eye of leading firefighter Mark Kennedy who was rushed to Knox Private Hospital for inspection.
Yarra area CFA brigade support officer Cindy Jeffrey said the incident was ‘a foolish act’ that ‘could have killed someone’.
Police were called to the scene after an oncoming vehicle was also struck by rocks, cracking the driver’s side window, however police could not find the culprits.
Mr Kennedy said he was in shock following the incident.
“We were driving along and heard a very loud bang on the passenger side window,” he said.
“Glass shattered and came in on top of me. Probably three to four minutes after that when we pulled up and got over the initial shock I felt discomfort in my eye.
“I kept it closed and we called an ambulance that took me to the Knox Private Hospital.
“It was a very small piece and was flushed out.” Mr Kennedy said he was relieved there was no permanent damage to his eye.
He said those who threw the rock were inconsiderate.
“I want to express my disappointment and concern over it happening, and people need to realise not only did it tieup our fire truck, which was taken offline for two hours, but it affected the rest of the community not to have it available.
“Then there was me going to hospital, which takes a person away from providing a service. It tied up and ambulance and police unit, and an emergency hospital bed.
“When you add it up, its effect on the community was widespread.”
