SEAFORD, Del.- Authorities say a Laurel man is facing DUI and related charges after the truck he was driving hit and injured the captain of the Blades Fire Police late Monday night.

Delawsare State Police say that at around 11:30 p.m., troopers were on Route 13A south of Seaford conducting a investigation into an unrelated traffic incident. At the time of the investigation, the Blades Fire Police was also on scene to assist with traffic control. 

While on scene, 68-year-old Linwood Merritt of Seaford, and captain of the Blades Fire Police, was directing traffic at a scene just south on Route 13A south of Easter Road. Police say that is when a white 2004 Ford truck, driven by 39-year-old James R. McAllister of Laurel, was traveling on southbound Route 13A and struck the rear of Merritt's fire police vehicle, a red 2008 Isuzu pickup truck. Police say Merritt's vehicle was marked with emergency lighting. 

Investigators say Merritt had just gotten out of his truck when the crash occurred. Immediately upon impact with McAllister's truck, Merritt's truck was pushed into him and he was knocked to the ground, according to police.

Merritt was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. where he was admitted for treatment of fractured ribs and a bruised lung. 

Crews at the Blades Volunteer Fire Company say they were pretty shaken up by the accident. They say co-workers are like family to them. Firefighter Rick Gilbert was on the scene when the accident happened.

"I went out and rendered first aid to Wayne (Capt. Merritt) the best I could, while trying to get others help and still trying to protect myself," said Gilbert.

Emergency responders say the risks start the second they leave the firehouse.

"Nobody calls us when they are having a good day. Everybody calls us when they are having a bad day and usually with bad things comes danger and we are thrust into the middle of it," said Blades firefighter Todd Reilly.

Emergency personnel say training drills, protective gear and visual aids, like cones and flares, are supposed to help protect them out on the road. Firefighters say the flashing lights can sometimes be a distraction for drivers.

"People are looking at the lights on the truck, people are looking at the big fire truck. I can't think of how many times people came passed us way too fast and just presented a dangerous situation for everyone," Reilly said.

As a result of the crash, McAllister was charged with second-degree vehicular assault, driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and failure to have insurance identification in possession.

Merritt is a 28-year veteran of the Blades Volunteer Fire Company and has served as captain of the Fire Police for several years, according to Blades fire officials.

Earlier this month, Delaware lawmakers approved a bill where a person who recklessly causes the death of a paramedic or an emergency responder could be charged with 1st degree murder.

Last year 114 firefighters across the nation were killed in the line of duty. So far this year, 58 firefighters have been killed.