HENRY COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Spray paint and debris mark the spot on the shoulder of Kings Mountain Road where two Henry County sheriff's deputies and a state trooper responded to at about 8 p.m. Wednesday after a car hit a deer.
"The trooper and two Henry County sheriff's deputies were clearing the roadway of debris from the damaged vehicle when one of the responding volunteer firefighters pulled up to the scene in his personal vehicle," Virginia State Police Spokeswoman Corinne Geller explained.
The 19-year-old volunteer firefighter hit Deputy Corey Waddell, causing him to roll over the hood, according to Geller.
Waddell was flown to Roanoke for treatment of serious injuries, but was has since been released.
"We're very fortunate. We appreciate everybody's concern and prayers for him," said Henry County Sheriff's Office Lt. Col. Steve Eanes.
The sheriff's office says this is a reminder that this is mating season for deer and therefore deer are going to be more active.
"Use bright lights. Use that to kind of look for the eyes of the deer reflecting," Eanes emphasized. "Just be cautious and so forth because striking a deer can not only cause damage, but can cause other issues. You can hit it just right where comes up and flies through the windshield."
If you do see a deer crossing the road and you don't think you have time to stop, he says hitting the deer may be better than trying to swerve and miss it.
"That's probably a personal preference. A lot of times, you do more damage when you swerve off and hit something else," explained Eanes.
As for Wednesday night's crash, as of Thursday, state police were still investigating and there was no telling how long the investigation could take.
"We want to make sure we follow it through to the end and it's as complete and thorough as possible," said Geller.
Once it is complete, it will be turned over to the Commonwealth Attorney who will decide if charges will be filed.