Dawson Creek firefighter critically injured on highway takes first step

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The wife of a Dawson Creek firefighter critically injured while attending a traffic incident says her husband has taken his first step.

Tryna Gower posted to Facebook on Monday, November 10th, describing her husband, Brooks Gower, as “a machine.”

Brooks is a captain with the Dawson Creek Fire Department. He was struck while responding to the roadside scene of an incident on Highway 97 near Groundbirch in late October.

Rushed first to Chetwynd General Hospital and later to Prince George, he underwent an eight-hour surgery to repair leg fractures and a broken arm.

The husband and wife are currently at the Vancouver General Hospital in the Lower Mainland while he continues to recover.

“This man is a machine. He doesn’t quit trying,” said Tryna. “The first few days, he almost left us. Now on day 12, he’s sitting up, took one step and can sit in a wheelchair.

“I believe this with all of my heart that our community has created an incredible healing force to raise this man from near death.”

In a video on the post, Tryna is seen holding her husband, acknowledging the support she has seen from the community, saying: “your prayers are working. Please keep it up, thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Her husband then thanked the camera. 

Tryna says Brook’s pain is “horrendous” and “he can’t remember the first five days” in hospital. She says the next obstacle in his journey is dealing with the mental health trauma.

“He has no brain damage, but does have a head injury so things like concussion and a lot of bleeding took place as he lost his helmet,” wrote Tryna. “And [he] went straight into the pavement at a high speed.

“We both thank every single one of you guys.”