As a first responder, it’s your job to help people during your shift, and sometimes, you may be called to help when you’re off duty. Firefighter Sgt. Chris Hall didn’t hesitate when he was off duty and saw a person in need.  

On Sunday, Sgt. Hall was on his way back home after dropping off his daughter with her mother when he saw a car zoom down Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, hit a car, and then crash into a building. 

“I saw that the car was on fire already and knew that we just had moments to help this guy,” said Sgt. Hall. 

So, he pulled over and immediately ran to help the driver who was stuck in the car, which was stuck in the building about eight feet off the ground. With help from a bystander, they grabbed a fire extinguisher from an 18-wheeler driving by and tried to buy time by putting out some of the fire.

Sgt. Hall said he had to pull another car up to the building to reach the driver. He says the driver was half unconscious, which made it difficult to get him out of the car, but he wasn’t going to give up. 

“We had seconds before the car was going to be fully engulfed in flames,” said Sgt. Hall. “After struggling a bit, we finally got the driver out. And just seconds later, the car became fully involved. It was a blur.” 

Sgt. Hall was off duty, but he knew he had a job to do. If it hadn’t been for the timing and the people around, he says he’s not sure what the outcome would have been. 

“It was the best-case scenario for that situation,” said Sgt. Hall. 

Sgt. Hall has been with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department for about 17 years. He says he knew he had to join after he helped out with a major car accident about 18 years ago after driving by it. A similar situation to the one he found himself in over the weekend. 

 “I just want to help. It’s my passion,” said Sgt. Hall. 

We are so proud to have you on #TeamMaconBibb, Sgt. Hall! Thank you for your service to protect our community.