Dawson Creek firefighter hit by car recovering from extensive surgery, expected to walk again

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The firefighter injured by a passing vehicle on Highway 97 earlier this week is expected to walk again following an eight-hour surgery, according to his wife.

On October 29th, Dawson Creek firefighter Brooks Gower attended an incident alongside the rest of his fire crew near Groundbirch. 

He was struck by a passing vehicle while working and rushed to hospitals in Chetwynd and Prince George for treatment.

On October 31st, Brooks’ wife Tryna Gower posted to Facebook with an update on his condition. The post was shared by the City of Dawson Creek’s Fire Department with permission from the Gower family.

“Brooks is currently stable,” Tryna said. “[He] had an eight-hour surgery to repair multiple leg fractures, one broken arm and he has multiple spinal fractures and broken ribs.”

Tryna said the fact her husband is alive and expected to walk again is a miracle, and asked residents to keep him in their prayers.

“He’s in a fragile state of recovery and [we] are asking for time to heal,” Tryna said. “I’m sharing this so you can all know the accurate information and keep the rumours to a zero.”

Tryna also expressed gratitude for the Dawson Creek Fire Department’s help in the days since Brooks was injured, saying it’s been with her and her children every step of the way.

“Firefighters are a brotherhood and not only do they risk their lives for yours, their family risks their lives for yours too,” she said.

The fire department also thanked residents for reaching out with messages of concern and support for Brooks.

“Your kindness means more than words can express,” the department’s Facebook post reads. “We’ll continue to share updates as they become available. Please keep Captain Gower and his loved ones in your thoughts as he focuses on healing.”