Kalamazoo, MI – A Portage firefighter and his 4-year-old son were hospitalized following a crash involving a stolen vehicle on North and Douglas streets.
The incident occurred late last month when the stolen vehicle collided with the firefighter's car. Both victims have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home, according to authorities.
Kalamazoo Public Safety confirmed that the proper installation of car seats played a crucial role in the safety of the child. Portage Fire Marshal Heather Jozwik emphasized the importance of using correctly sized car seats, stating, “It saved his life.”
Jacob Mahoney, the firefighter involved, is a trained car seat technician. Jozwik reiterated the department's mission extends beyond emergency response to include community education on car seat safety.
In response to the accident, nearly $50,000 has been raised within six days to support Mahoney and his family during their recovery.
Local families seeking assistance with car seat installation can contact their local fire department or refer to Safe Kids Kalamazoo County for additional resources.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.