Donate to fire hall, says family of firefighter thrown ’12 to 15′ feet into air by vehicle impact on highway

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The family of a Dawson Creek firefighter critically injured on the highway have encouraged well-wishers to direct any donations to the city’s fire department as he gets ready to continue his recovery closer to home. 

Before 8 a.m. on October 29th, Captain Brooks Gower was working alongside his colleagues at the scene of a single-vehicle incident on Highway 97 south and 269th Road in Groundbirch when he was hit by a passing vehicle.

Gower’s wife Tryna has revealed Brooks was struck so hard he “flew” 12 to 15 feet into the air on impact, losing his boots and helmet.

He was rushed first to Chetwynd General Hospital and then to Prince George for treatment, where he underwent an eight-hour surgery to repair multiple injuries, including leg and spine fractures and a broken arm and ribs.

In a series of Facebook posts since the incident, Tryna has been updating the community about Brooks’ recovery – for example, when Brooks took his first step. 

In her most recent update on November 16th, she said Brooks has been taking “brain vitamins” from the Dawson Creek Health Food Centre to “be proactive” about a possible head injury. 

Brooks is also preparing to tackle any mental health problems which may arise as he comes to terms with the fact “his life has been changed forever,” Tryna said. 

She also asked those wishing to set up a fundraiser for Brooks to instead donate to the Dawson Creek Firefighters Charitable Society. 

“Many people have been messaging me asking about a GoFundMe, but Brooks honourably declined that,” she wrote. “However, so many still want to help.

“If this is you and you’d like to make a simple donation to help now that we are seeing the path in front of us, please contact the Dawson Creek fire department on Brooks’ behalf.

“From our understanding, some of you have already donated and we are ever so thankful.”

Tryna said Brooks is soon to be air ambulanced to a more local northern hospital.

“We don’t know which one or when at this point,” Tryna added. 

To donate to the Dawson Creek Firefighters Charitable Society in Brooks’ name, Tryna said to email dcffcharitablesociety@gmail.com and include “Capt Gower” as a note.

This comes amid Tim Hortons’ 2025 Holiday Smile Cookie campaign, which is also raising money for the Dawson Creek Firefighters Charitable Society this week, from November 17th to 23rd.