A tow truck operator who was injured while helping set up a county disaster drill has had several surgeries and a portion of one leg amputated, according to a news release from the Becker County Sheriff's Department.
Mike Smith, the owner of Lakes Country Towing, remains in critical condition Tuesday at Hennepin County Medical Center.
A benefit account has been set up at Bremer Bank to "help offset the massive expenditures that have been encumbered due to the result of the Sept. 9 accident, in which Mike sustained severe injuries while assisting with the disaster drill for Becker County Emergency Services," Sheriff Tim Gordon said in the news release.
"Mike remains in the hospital and has undergone many surgeries, including amputation of a portion of his leg."
In light of Smith's community spirit and attachment to emergency services, Gordon is asking that donations be sent in care of the Michael Smith Benefit Fund, Bremer Bank, P.O. Box 827, Detroit Lakes, MN, 56501.
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The accident occurred as Smith was helping set up a disaster drill scenario involving an overturned camper made from a converted school bus.
The bus started rolling down a small hill at Northwoods Campground at the Soo Pass Ranch, where the disaster drill was held Wednesday.
The bus rolled into the wrecker and both started going down the incline. Smith tried to jump into the cab of the wrecker to put on the brakes, but he only managed to get halfway in, and he was injured when the wrecker sideswiped a tree and slammed the door shut on him.
"Any and all financial help in this time if need for Mike and his family will be greatly appreciated as he is self-employed as the owner-operator of Lakes Country Towing," Gordon said. "He had been donating his time, services and equipment at the time of the accident."
