Massachusetts

Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run That Injured Massachusetts Firefighter

Police announced Monday that they have made an arrest in connection with a hit-and-run accident that seriously injured a Massachusetts firefighter.

Paul J. Durgin, 28, of Sandwich, was arrested at a motel in Barnstable and charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with personal injury, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Wareham police allege that Durgin was driving on Cranberry Highway on Friday night when he hit an on-duty Onset firefighter who was out doing storm cleanup and drove off without stopping.

The firefighter, 25-year-old Marc Granato, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, where he is still being treated for multiple injuries. He reportedly flew 40 feet in the air when he was hit. The Onset Fire Department said Monday that he is "stable and doing much better," but faces a lengthy recovery.

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Onset Fire
Onset firefighter Marc Granato.

"His injuries were significant. At the time we were very worried he was not going to survive the event," Onset Fire Chief Raymond Goodwin said. "All of his gear and his helmet on - that saved his life."

Wareham police said a tip led them to the Knights Inn motel in Barnstable, where they found a vehicle matching the description and with damage consistent with Friday's accident. After obtaining a warrant, Durgin was located and taken into custody.

Durgin was arraigned in Wareham District Court on Monday as some of Granato's colleagues with the Onset Fire Department looked on. His lawyer said his client suffers from addiction and he will not be able to post the $125,000 bail.

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