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Fire Chief Passes Away After Being Hit By Log Truck At Fatal Motorcycle Crash Scene
November 6, 2019
Alabama troopers have released details on two separate traffic crashes at the same location early Wednesday morning that claimed the life of an Escambia Fire Rescue volunteer station chief and a motorcyclist.
The fire chief has been identified as 41-year old Dwain S. Bradshaw. He was the district chief at the Bellview Fire Station and the assistant chief at the Beulah Fire Station.
Bradshaw was among those that responded to a 3:50 a.m. crash at the Muscogee Bridge across the Perdido River at the state line.
In the first crash, 52-year old Patrick Bankester of Bay Minette was traveling east on Highway 112 just across the bridge in Baldwin County. His 2011 International semi was struck by a westbound 2017 Yamaha motorcycle. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash but has not yet been identified. Bankester was not injured.
In the second crash, Clifton Harrison, age 59 of Mobile, was traveling east on Highway 112 in a loaded 1999 Freightliner log truck (pictured below). Alabama State Troopers said he struck two unoccupied vehicles — a 2007 Peterbilt and a 2011 Dodge truck — before leaving the roadway and striking Bradshaw. The log truck came to rest off the roadway on its side.
Bradshaw was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Troopers have not released any further information about the two crashes.
The bridge spans between Muscogee Road in Cantonment and Highway 112 in Baldwin County, Alabama. The roadway remained closed into Wednesday evening.
Pictured top: The flag was lowered to half-staff Wednesday morning at the Beulah Fire Station. Pictured first below: The log truck that struck the firefighter. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour and others, click to enlarge.
Comments
55 Responses to “Fire Chief Passes Away After Being Hit By Log Truck At Fatal Motorcycle Crash Scene”
So sorry for your lost to the fire departments he worked for and his family.
Condolences go out to all the Family, Relatives and Friends of this Fire Chief. He was a Hero to all, and will be remember as being the Best of the Best. We all realize that our Firefighters all over could be in Harms Way any given time. We all prey for them and all the families, that have a firefighter within family or relatives, or friends.RIP: Dwain S. Bradshaw. God Bless and Keep All Families Safe.
northendbratt:
yeah, you’re right, he probably couldn’t see out his windshield for all the logs he was carrying. The logs musta been obscuring his view of the road ahead of him, the truck just somehow knew which way to go up to the point of impact. (cue eye roll)
Yesterday was a very sad day as I got a call from my brother who is a firefighter as was called to the first accident and saw the motorcyclist dead. He left his work truck which was the dodge ram that was hit. As he went to check on the other trucker that was involved all you could hear was the logger truck who didn’t even hit his breaks to try and stop hit a parked semi, the dodge ram and the the firefighter chief. This second accident didn’t have to happen. So many more lives could have been lost yesterday due to a reckless trucker. My prayers are sent to both the motorcyclist and the fire chiefs family. Please everyone slow down.
sure are many complaints on these log trucks coming in from out
of state and speeding and disrespecting laws and driving carelessly !
I personally see it daily. I also see some who don’t disrespect us
and drive carefully. i’d think a full daylight only rule be enforced and
the Mills where they’re going do likewise . Law Enforcement is obviously
unable to do much !
My heartfelt condolences to the family. And friends of a wonderful soul who loved. His JOB sooo well.
Such sad news. RIP Chief Bradshaw and thank you for your service to our community. Condolences and prayers to the families that lost loved ones yesterday.
I agree with you Dr. Atwell!! My prayers go out to EVERYONE involved in these tragedies, because no matter whose fault it is, I’m sure none of these people got up that morning planning to kill someone.
My mother and other family lives between the four and five Mile marker on 112 . When we are out in the yard we have witnessed big trucks of all types running extremely high speeds through the area. My condolences to the families involved. Totally uncalled for this to happen.
I grew up right there a mile over the bridge into Alabama… and those trucks have always been in mine , my mother’s, as well as any parents
Who lives out theres nightmares . when I was a kid, riding the school bus down 112, I could remember them blowing past the bus highly speeding, disregarding any speed limits and the saftey of any other motorists . They used to pass us so fast it would make the whole bus Rock! there really needs to be more law enforcement on that road, especially during school bus and work time traffic hours. This breaks my heart and I give my deepest sympathy to the families of this tragic event . in now live close to Beulah fire department myself. this hits home in more places than one
My heart is heavy with this horrific news. Dwain was an impeccable, self less, noble man. A true hero in countless ways. What a man should be. He loved his wife, family and his community. He will forever be missed.
First and foremost, condolences to Mr. Bradshaw’s family.
As we were returning from vacation this afternoon, we were southbound on 29 stopped at the Morris St light and sat in amazement as a fully-loaded logging truck absolutely ran right through the red light. It was obvious that he had no breaks because he immediately got into the far right turn lane and finally came to a stop. These trucks are not safe.
Why on Earth are these trucks on the road at this time of morning anyway they cause enough havock during daylight hours I thought there was a law against this…
At night 2 weeks ago while taking my grandson home, a 18 wheeler passed me while we were on the bridge. It takes a complete idiot to do something like that .
Prayers for all ur family. So sad to hear this. Drivers are just crazy n so many accidents. Thank you sir for your service.
Sad to say the firefighter lost his life. He did not make it. That’s my 2nd family and I still cant believe it. Driver really need to be more careful and needs to slow down. He left behind 2 daughter a wife how mom and dad and his brother and sisters. He was the most amazing man he was a HERO to everyone! I’m cryinv typing this. I cant stop crying sense I recived the phone call this morning.
The loss of life is a tragedy for all involved. The profound grief over the death of a selfless volunteer fireman is overwhelming for his family and friends, especially so close to the holidays.
I find it disgusting that so many people are so quick to jump to conclusions by implying this tragedy is the fault of the truck driver. It may end up being so. However, the state police have not finished their investigation and so many are already blaming the truck driver without having all the facts. It may have been unavoidable. It may be just that, a tragic accident involving many factors.
There are wreckless drivers everywhere. However, not every log truck driver is wreckless. Why can’t people wait for the facts? We should be supporting the family of those who perished right now, not laying blame before the police have finished their investigation.
I am sending my loving and saddened prayers to The Chiefs family & his Fire Unit. This is so horrible in many different ways. Nearly all have been spoken in
other notes above. Please remember to only give sincere loving messages. For His family only needs love right now. Not yelling in written words, your upsetting messages. I send my loving Prayers to everyone who loved Chief.
I send prayers especially for his wife, children & other family. I also have feared for my life while the loggers have no cares that they are going way too fast, there and other areas as well. I’ve had them pull out of getting their gas taking chances that the drivers they pull out in front of are blessed theyd werent killed. I live in Milton, near the Dump! I can hear and feel the roads shake as they go super fast leaving or returning to the Dump on a winding road, and I worry over children walking playing or getting on or off buses. Thus, whether it is loggers, dump truckers, or all other truck type vehicles…PLEASE SLOW DOWN, WATCH AND OBSERVE ALL OTHER DRIVERS, AND THE SCHOOL KIDS AS YOU DRIVER. GOING 60 MPH IN OUR 35 MPH VERY NARROW WINDING ROADS MAY BE OK WITH YOU! BUT NOT US!
I travel a lot of those backroads. Those log truck drivers are dangerous.
RIP thank you for your service and sacrifice may god hold his family close through this difficult time
Hwy 97/Hwy 99/Hwy 196/Hwy 182 all being utilized by these log trucks with many speeding. These drivers have to make a living but not at the expense of human life. These trucks also drop tree debris down the highways. Now a public servant is dead.
When will these pulpwood trucks be scrutinized for unsafe driving practices?
He will be missed by everyone that knew him and the lives he helped including mine. I will miss you my friend fly high and keep watching over those you love as they will need it more then ever right now and the days to come
They’re. Autocorrect got me.
It’s a sad day to read that the police had been notified of the problem but did nothing. To me their partially liable for the loss of this family man as well as the company he hauls for. My question is how much is enough? How many lives have to be wasted before the Sherrifs do the job they were elected to do or even his deputies?
As a Retired Firefighter who enjoyed 28 1/2 years saving lives & property in SoCal, I express my sorrow for the family.
The drivers I have seen in this area are some of the worse I have ever seen anywhere, including third world countries .
I will continue to monitor and wish to help the survivors
This is very sad. I was rerouted today down Barrineau Park Rd while enroute to the deer woods. You would think that the large trucks would learn but they almost ran me off the road today. How many life’s does it take before the Alabama and Florida authorities put a stop to the speeding and reckless endangerment that these trucks are causing? This has to stop!
I’ve seen log trucks screaming down those narrow roads near Perdido river. It’s scary! SLOW DOWN, LOGGERS!!!!!
This should never have happened and I feel so bad for the family. : (
I recently moved to this area and have to say I am surprised at how bad most drivers and seem to be a race to get somewhere. Take a minute and think do you want to arrive live or be statistic.
My children grew up with Dwain and he is an amazing and wonderful man…IAM so saddened by this and prayers for his wife and chidren
The local government and state government should listen to the people who live in that area. They see the problems everyday. Most politicians are too busy lining their pockets rather than listening to the people.
I’m so upset!!! The firefighter was my husbands best friend. He has a beautiful and wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters. LOG TRUCKS they need to slow down most of them are driving violently on the road. I was ran off the road by one coming into my lane about a month ago and went into the ditch while they kept going and that was on Chumuckla road heading towards Jay. Dwain was one of the most kindest souls I ever knew. Please keep his family in prayers.
R.I.P. – Thank you for your service.
Styx River Vol. Fire Dept. extends its deepest sympathies to family and friends of Dwain Bradshaw. Our first responders are well aware of the dangers we face while responding or on a scene. Our big engine had to block a road because drivers were ignoring our flashing lights. Our Rescue unit was trying to respond to a medical call. A driver was angry and still trying to cross in front of the engine. That driver ignored the flashing lights of our emergency units. Drivers need to pay attention and allow responders to pass. By obeying the laws, you are saving your own life and your passengers. God bless responders.
Beware of log trucks AND Gravel trucks, concrete trucks and dump trucks.
Please!
This is and has been an ongoing problem. The factory needs to be penalized as well. As long as the factory encourages the trucks to deliver asap they will.
My ol man is a retired fire chief and knew this gentleman and his family.. This man has a wife and kids at home who have lost their dad, &husband . So sad.. He died doing what his heart told him to do. Doing his job, selflessly. A dangerous career path that takes a special kind of person .. A Hero….My heart goes out to the family..
My condolences to the family of Chief Bradshaw.
the log truckers are the bottom of the barrel had 1 hit me on quintet rd and ran from the scene luckily someone followed him he was arrested with a suspended license. I feel sorry for the loss of this brave man
The driver of the log truck & his choice to disregard speed limits & emergency lights is the reason for this firefighters death ! I believe since it could’ve been avoided not only does he need to loose his CDL forever he should do prison time for vehicular manslaughter as that is exactly what this was !
I’m just in shock Dwain to many rides on the rig to many memories made. I was honored to have known you. Thank you for you training classes as you were always eager to help YOUR BROTHERS and SISTERS better! You were a GREAT FRIEND THAT WAS ALWAYS THERE. I pray God gives your wife and kids peace and comfort in this whole ordeal! Until we meet again BROTHER rest easy save me a seat on in that rig!
State needs to put scale house up. They have one on 90 don’t have problems we have. SAD DAY!
As the neice of a former 911 first reaponder my condolences go out to eveeyone lost in this accident. Maybe we should be thankful for the brave men and women that respond to these scene s. I am sure the families would rather see that then the blame game. Yes every road in this end of the county are crazy and dangerous. I am sure no one woke uo today saying lets drive fast have two accident s that kills people . Instead of blaming try being supportive of the lives taken too soon.
Prayers for both of the families through this traffic time keep your eye open on the road please everyone I my self have loss Family members to this kind of action.
i have pulled log trailers through there loaded down. ive almost been his more than enough times by other log trucks. pulling out of the woods on just the other side of the bridge. alot of drivers do haul through there way too fast. it is a dangerous road. especialy from beulah rd and muscogee intersect. this is the 4th or 5th log truck accident in what, three months?
@Thas I drive that road every morning and afternoon and see first hand what your saying but the pulp wood driver’s could care less other semi tractor trailer’s drive normal but they have to hurry and get one more load to the mill that day and if their empty going back lord help you then they will pass you even on a hill
Mike, you don’t see the load of logs the guy in truck was pulling? tThat is why he COULD NOT stop when he came up on the accident! No, he should not loose his cdl,.He may have been driving too fast through there but that’s another issue.
This is the third serious accident involving logging Trucks in the past three or for months on Hwy 112! Maybe it’s time Alabama Transportation take a closer look and come up a different route for large Trucks. With all the new homes and people moving in the surrounding communities it’s only going to get worse In time unless something is done about it.
I am a truck driver and know first hand the log trucks in this area drive way too fast. They need to slow down. They will ruin that route for us. That is a very sharp curve and also shouldn’t be traveling with a trailer thru there. I use that road coming from Mobile often. Bobtail not loaded or with a trailer.
wow, how do you come up on a crash scene, bright red whirling lights on big red emer vehicles, and hit somebody? i hope the guy gets stripped of his cdl, as he doesn’t appear to have the skills or brainpower needed to do the job.
Best wishes for a speedy full recovery to the firefighter.
I live about one mile from where the wreck happened. I have been begging Escambia county School board and Escambia county road department to please put up school bus signs by my house because these trucks go by a hundred miles an hour I have video proof of even the police passing the school bus while it is stopped and almost causing a wreck with another car coming head-on with the school bus. But nobody cares unless somebody gets killed. And then it just gets washed under the table like our children’s lives doesn’t matter because of these 18-wheelers trying to get their load to the paper mill down on Muskogee. I have begged and begged and begged the school superintendent for these School bus signs. And only thing happens is they tell me they have no control over it that that’s the road department. I’ve even called the sheriff’s office and had a highway patrol come over and sit by my house and I bet you they pulled over 50 cars that day for speeding but I have yet to see another state trooper out here since that day. my condolence to the family that lost their loved ones but I promise you it won’t be the last till they get control of this speed on this road
Drivers need to slow down and be patient when approaching crash scenes. Florida and Alabama have laws regarding “moving over” or slowing down if you cannot when you approach emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility workers, etc. However, en though these laws have been in place for years and years… people do not abide by it. The law is there to protect the people helping you. Slow down! Pay Attention!
Prayers for the firefighter, his or her family, and Escambia County Fire & Rescue.
I live on Muscogee Road. I have lived here all my life. Those log trucks think they own this road. We’ve had them slam on brakes and Roll through the ditches while our kids get off the bus. It’s even been that our kids have had to lay down in ditches as the log trucks fly past the stopped bus. Thankfully never any accidents have occurred. DOT or FHP won’t do anything. They sit at the church one day to watch them but never come back. All the time this happens. It’s time for enforcement. PSA Loggers: You logging max loads a day to the mill is NOT THAT IMPORTANT, as someone’s life!!!! Praying for all involved.
Muscogee Road needs speed bumps in the curve before the bridge!!!
Prayers for the other vehicles that were hit in the second wreck as well.
PRAYERS FOR ALL! So sad….
I own property 2 miles from the river on the Fl side.. We have begged Law Enforcement to do something about this.. These trucks use this road as a race track.. The train track is down the hill about 3 miles from the river. No way they can possibly stop it has been several wrecks there.. They come thru here to avoid the scales and over weight fines. Our roads are distroyed thru here and almost impossible to pull out of the driveway for flying truck. I knew it was a matter of time all this was going to happen.. Now maybe someone wil do something.. So sorry this had to happen but I knew it was just a matter of time..