Oakland, CA : Firefighter Critically Injured During Training Drill On Oakland Airport Tuesday morning on June 24, 2014

A 28 year veteran of the Oakland Fire Department is in critical condition after being injured during a drill at the Oakland Airport Tuesday morning.

Mitchell Ow, 55, is receiving treatment at Highland Hospital. Officials say he was able to give the doctor's a thumbs-up Tuesday night, which is a good sign of his recovery.

A source told KTVU Ow is a devoted firefighter and husband.

The California Highway Patrol and Cal-Osha are now investigation what went wrong to cause Ow to roll over the vehicle he was driving during a drill at 11:43 Tuesday morning.

Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed says this was a monthly exercise on how to respond to plane crashes at Oakland International Airport.

A source tells KTVU Ow had been participating in this type of drill for the past seven years or so.

"Right now, the department is in shock. This firefighter was well known and liked with all members of the organization," said Chief Reed.

Ow was alone in what's called an aircraft rescue firefighting rig. It is unclear at this time how fast he was driving at the time of the accident.

The vehicle rolled during a turn in front of the Oakland Maintenance Center which used to be the United Airlines Hangar.

The rig is equipped to carry 3,000 gallons of water and 420 gallons of foam.

"We're not sure what happened so we're going to have to wait on the results of the investigation," said Chief Reed.

Members of the Oakland Fire Department arrived at Highland hospital to show their support.

A source describes Ow as a truly wonderful person who was devoted to his work serving the public.

KTVU has learned that Ow is married with no children and considers his wife his best friend.

The source says Ow was just a few years from retirement.

"We are really praying for him, for his recover, praying for the strength of his family. We will be staying at the hospital until he gets into a more stable condition," said Chief Reed.

CHP investigators hope to talk to Ow either Tuesday night or tomorrow or as soon as he is well enough.

Source :
Firefighter critically injured after rig crashes at Oakland airport