Demolition derby driver
in critical condition
By ANGELA BRANDT - Independent Record - 07/29/08
Photo courtesy of Wally Jester - Tom Jester gives a thumbs-up at the 2007 demolition derby, which he won. A fire engulfed Jester’s car at this year’s derby and burned 50 percent of his body.
Tom Jester, a 53-year-old Helena man, was taken to the University of Utah burn center by airplane Sunday. He was listed in critical condition Monday afternoon, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
The blaze occurred during Sunday afternoon’s demolition derby at the annual Last Chance Stampede and Fair. According to witness accounts, a transmission line ruptured during the event and sprayed into Jester’s 1978 Chrysler Cordoba, which subsequently caught fire.
Jester’s brother, Wally, said the bulk of his brother’s burns were concentrated on his legs and arms. His neck also was burned by the flames, which compromised his airways and injured his esophagus, Wally Jester said.
Tom Jester is set to start receiving skin grafts today, his brother said. Jester, who has his wife, Deanna, and son, Jeremy Kendall, at his side in Salt Lake City, will remain at the burn center for a minimum of 60 days.
Jeremy Kendall, Tom Jester’s son, was part of his father’s pit crew Sunday. “That kid jumped about 15 feet over two fences and the tires to get to his dad,” said J.T. Quillin, Jester’s cousin, who was in the stands.
The other drivers quickly went after the fire with extinguishers from their vehicles, Quillin said. “Had they not — I don’t think Tom would be with us,” he said. “He was burned from his chin to where his boots laced.”
One question some of Jester’s family and others have been pondering is why there wasn’t an ambulance on the scene Sunday afternoon when one had been on hand during the rodeo and every day at the fair since Wednesday.
Keith Hatch, manager of the fairgrounds, said it is not common practice to have an ambulance there during the derby, but trained paramedics were on the scene. “We’ve never had an ambulance at the derby — that’s not to say whether right or wrong — we’ve never had one,” Hatch said.
The fairgrounds contracted with the Helena Fire Department to have firefighters, including trained emergency medical technicians at the event, he said.
Peggy Stebbins, St. Peter’s Hospital spokeswoman, said the hospital donates its services for the fair, and fair management decides which ones are most at-risk of all the events. The hospital’s paramedics were at the fair Wednesday through Saturday overseeing the first aid booth, and an ambulance with personnel was on hand for the rodeo those days, she said.
Hatch said those involved with the demoli-tion derby will gather soon to evaluate the incident and see if another such tragic event could somehow be prevented, he said. They also will discuss having an ambulance placed at future derbies.
Another question will be whether the risks involved make it worth holding a derby at all, Hatch said.
Quillin, who has been competing in derbies for nearly 14 years, said he has never heard of such a horrible fire at an event. “This is one of those things that aren’t supposed to happen that happened,” he said.
Quillin quickly added that he is touched by the outpouring of love and support his cousin has received from those in the derby as well as the community.
“I had over 43 missed calls when I woke up this morning. There are a lot of people who care and want to know,” he said Monday.
Quillin describes his cousin as one of the most fun-loving people he knows.
“He’s the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back, no question,” he added.
Jester, who works as a truck driver for Associated Foods, made many friends through participating in der-bies, Quillin said. Those friends and many others pulled together Sunday and raised about $3,000 to help Jester, including many of the demolition derby competitors’ purses.
Tentative plans also are in the works for fundraisers, including a pool tournament and a chili feed. An account to help Jester with his costs will soon be set up at the American Federal Savings Bank.
While Quillin said he will not participate in any der-bies for the rest of the year in order to help his family, he will continue to compete in the future, adding that it is a dangerous sport with risks.
His cousin, on the other hand, was planning on making Sunday’s his last derby.
Wally Jester said he spoke just before the derby with his brother, who said he was going to stop participating because he is getting up in years and wanted more time for his family, and also to fish.
“He was going to crash his car that he had competed in before, and then give up,” he said.
Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com
Current rating: 4.1 with 85 ratings.
Click here to register
Reader Comments:
Montanagirl wrote on Aug 1, 2008 2:56 PM:
" My father use to drive one of the tow trucks at the derby and I have been going for 15 or so years to the Helena derby. I always remember an ambulance being at the derby, I also remember a few times the derby was not aloud to start until the ambulance got there. I aslo remember a few years back when the ambulance at the derby got a call and because it was the closest to the accident it left and the derby was shut down for at least 45 minutes until another ambulance came. So saying that there has never been an ambulance at the derby is just down right crap!!!!!! My prayers go out to the Jester family and please everyone remember that your donations are needed for medical bills and you can make them to the American Federal Savings Bank. And to everyone that has donated it is very appreciated by the family. "
winston wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:13 PM:
" Tiggerx you should get the facts straight!!!!!! THE RESPONSIBILITY FALLS UPON THE EVENT ORGANIZER TO MAKE SURE THERE IS AN AMBULANCE AT THE DEMO DERBY. I am a member of the Last Chance Fair and Rodeo committee and it is OUR responsibility to make sure we have an ambulance available during the rodeo. The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association states that an ambulance has to be on scene during the rodeo so WE hire one to be there. It is the responsibility of the Fair committee to have medical services available during the daytime for people at the carnival,midway and 4-H barns (although it is not required) and this was done by Mr. Hatch and Mr. Don Wells who is the ambulance supervisor at St.Peters Hospital. Mr. Wells donated their services to the Fair. As far as i'm concerned the organizers of the demo derby dropped the ball when it came to providing the propper medical care needed at the event.I would think that if I was organizing an event such as this I would think about the dangers and have my bases covered. By the way I provided fire protection for this event for 13 years running and yes there has been an ambulance on scene for the derby. Don't pin this on the Fair Grounds and Mr. Hatch. Although it may not matter as I do not believe we will ever see another derby at the Fair Grounds.... "
qru11 wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:34 AM:
" I to feel bad that someone was injured during the Derby. But to Mr. Hatch, there has always been an Ambulance at this event. Eagle Ambulance has always had an Ambulance and a crew at the event. I know because I am one of the EMT's that worked it in previous years. So your statement that there has never been one there is way off. Check your facts before opening your mouth. "
Dione wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:34 PM:
" I live in Salt Lake City and this afternoon I met the family of Tom Jester while in the waiting room at the University of Utah Burn Clinic.
I wanted to let everyone know that their family is very strong, supportive and optimistic and that their positive attitude is sure to help Tom recover, both physically and mentally.
Good luck Jester family! We are praying for you here, too. "
I wanted to let everyone know that their family is very strong, supportive and optimistic and that their positive attitude is sure to help Tom recover, both physically and mentally.
Good luck Jester family! We are praying for you here, too. "
mark1228 wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:11 PM:
" I am not pointing fingers or placing blame, but I wonder why ST Petes donated and ambulance and crew for all but one day of the fair. If they are donating their services, that is great and apprecieated, but why stop at Saturday night? Just curious. As many others have mentioned, my thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family for a speedy recovery. "
Tiggerx wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:45 PM:
" Okay, I was done with this finger pointing, however, a blantent lie was made by Mr. Hatch in statement he made and I quote "is not common practice to have an ambulance there during the derby...Weve never had an ambulance at the derby thats not to say whether right or wrong weve never had one", and yet, if "we've never had one" whether it be contracted out or not, why has there been one in the pits by the main arena entrance for use when a driver is injured, whether it be minor or major for many years. I can show on video from past derbys an ambulance present.
Also, I just want to ask, do you truly know the amount of time Tom has put into his cars, or what he was wearing at the time this "accident" occured. Tom is not one of those drivers that "put their cars together at the last minute, often at the expense of safety. They install makeshift tranny coolers in the passenger compartment, and run poorly protected gas lines to their tanks. I have seen many derby cars with a tin gas can for their "tank". These are highly flammable liquids people!! To top it all off, they wear summer clothes as if they were going to the beach." I from personal experience, know that Tom puts in many hours on his cars making it as safe for himself as he can, sometimes working on the car for several months. Also, he did not drive his cars with "summer clothes as he was going to the beach." Tom did not wear a firesuit or flame resistant clothing, however, he did wear coveralls.
Although this event is fun for both the spectators and the drivers, the Jaycees and drivers try to make it as safe for themselves and the fans as possible. We all know that there are risks and yes hindsite is 20/20, however, again this was an "accident", an unfortunate event, that could not have been forseen or prevented, however, I know that drivers are already looking at this incident, talking with others and are trying to figure out ways to make this event even safer.
This sport is not Nascar, this sport is a "poor man's" racing. Most all of the driver have families and jobs that they report to the next day, if not right after the derbies they participate in. These guys go out to have fun and to put on a show for fans and "people like you". And in the question of the "firesuit" some drivers do use them and some do not. Once again, this is not a sport made of money and firesuits are not cheap. Yes it would be nice to have them, and probably "safer", however, it has been up to the driver's discretion on whether or not to use them.
In closing, we can beat this to death for the rest of our natural lives, however that does not change the fact that something very unfortunate has happened, and hopefully we all learn from this.
The drivers do not want the derby to be ended due to this incident. All of the finger pointing needs to be stopped, it is not the fault of any one person or group of people. The attention needs to be turned back to the true matter at hand, and that is that a good man was injured in an unfortunate accident and he and his family need our prayers and support at this very difficult time. "
Also, I just want to ask, do you truly know the amount of time Tom has put into his cars, or what he was wearing at the time this "accident" occured. Tom is not one of those drivers that "put their cars together at the last minute, often at the expense of safety. They install makeshift tranny coolers in the passenger compartment, and run poorly protected gas lines to their tanks. I have seen many derby cars with a tin gas can for their "tank". These are highly flammable liquids people!! To top it all off, they wear summer clothes as if they were going to the beach." I from personal experience, know that Tom puts in many hours on his cars making it as safe for himself as he can, sometimes working on the car for several months. Also, he did not drive his cars with "summer clothes as he was going to the beach." Tom did not wear a firesuit or flame resistant clothing, however, he did wear coveralls.
Although this event is fun for both the spectators and the drivers, the Jaycees and drivers try to make it as safe for themselves and the fans as possible. We all know that there are risks and yes hindsite is 20/20, however, again this was an "accident", an unfortunate event, that could not have been forseen or prevented, however, I know that drivers are already looking at this incident, talking with others and are trying to figure out ways to make this event even safer.
This sport is not Nascar, this sport is a "poor man's" racing. Most all of the driver have families and jobs that they report to the next day, if not right after the derbies they participate in. These guys go out to have fun and to put on a show for fans and "people like you". And in the question of the "firesuit" some drivers do use them and some do not. Once again, this is not a sport made of money and firesuits are not cheap. Yes it would be nice to have them, and probably "safer", however, it has been up to the driver's discretion on whether or not to use them.
In closing, we can beat this to death for the rest of our natural lives, however that does not change the fact that something very unfortunate has happened, and hopefully we all learn from this.
The drivers do not want the derby to be ended due to this incident. All of the finger pointing needs to be stopped, it is not the fault of any one person or group of people. The attention needs to be turned back to the true matter at hand, and that is that a good man was injured in an unfortunate accident and he and his family need our prayers and support at this very difficult time. "
mottomomma wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:55 PM:
" I am appauled by the very 1st comment that was enter here. I am a motocross mom who is fully aware of the risk that comes along with participating in any event where the driver (or rider) is at the mercy of fate. I will admitt that I am one of those finger pointers. I want to know what the reasoning is behind not having an ambulance present. The only logical reason, looking from the outside, is that cost factor. Our motocross club hosts 2 HUGE motocross races each summer. We have monthly meetings as well as several meetings that occur in the 2 weeks pre-race. Every year we watch a safety video on how to correctly flag when an accident happens. The flaggers are the 1st to react to protect the downed rider from being run over by other racers. The derby is not much different from a motocross race. From my vantage point, I could see where there were flaggers at 3 locations. Why was there not fire extinguishers with every one of those flaggers? Is there a safety committee that goes over possible problems and solutions? If not, someone should take a second look at that for starters. Can someone tell me of any motorsport that an ambulance is not present at? I have been to motocross, demo derbys, sprint car races, and snowmobile races. NEVER WAS THE AMBULANCE NOT PRESENT!!!!!! I know that a lot of people were asking "Who made the call to not have the ambulance?" This was a tough lesson learned at the expense of a long time derby driver! Mr. Right Wing Liberal: If I could be in the same room as you, I would punch you in the face. I agree that lawyers are leaches, but to expect Tommy to "honor his liability waiver" is the coldest comment any human being could have made. I hope you sleep well because Tommy is in for a long, painful road that he will never fully recover from. He deserves compensation for this stupidity! Out thoughts and prayers are with you Tommy! "
6eracing wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:48 PM:
" Tom's fire was a terrible accident, and i am sure there will be many derby drivers taking better pre-carements to there cars for safety. My heart goes out to tom and his family.
This is a dangerous sport and things do happen but not this. there is usually a small engine fire or radiator blows, but never a car being ingulfed in flames.
People come to these derbys to watch cars crash but not to watch people get hurt. This incident will stick with us all for a long time.
The waiver form is a joke. the form involves waiving rights if you get hurt and that they will obey the rules, example: All items and devices must be securely strapped down and covered for safety. But when we go to register the cars isn't that the officials job to enforce the safety? or just let any tom,dick, and harry run in these events. I am sure Tom know's his car's and safety. But there could have been other drivers that could have been seriously hurt in the event cause they didn;t securely fasten or cover items in the car, but the officials let it fly.
Since when has there never been an ambulance at derby's? I have gone to towns with the population of 5,000 or less and they have an ambulance standing by? Why don'y we?
I feel the real problem that we all have with toms accident is the care he recieved after the fire. Tom had to wait almost half hour for any real treatment. We all know there are risks in the sport but why can't the Officials provide the proper care if there is an accident "
This is a dangerous sport and things do happen but not this. there is usually a small engine fire or radiator blows, but never a car being ingulfed in flames.
People come to these derbys to watch cars crash but not to watch people get hurt. This incident will stick with us all for a long time.
The waiver form is a joke. the form involves waiving rights if you get hurt and that they will obey the rules, example: All items and devices must be securely strapped down and covered for safety. But when we go to register the cars isn't that the officials job to enforce the safety? or just let any tom,dick, and harry run in these events. I am sure Tom know's his car's and safety. But there could have been other drivers that could have been seriously hurt in the event cause they didn;t securely fasten or cover items in the car, but the officials let it fly.
Since when has there never been an ambulance at derby's? I have gone to towns with the population of 5,000 or less and they have an ambulance standing by? Why don'y we?
I feel the real problem that we all have with toms accident is the care he recieved after the fire. Tom had to wait almost half hour for any real treatment. We all know there are risks in the sport but why can't the Officials provide the proper care if there is an accident "
freetime wrote on Jul 29, 2008 6:50 PM:
" I was watching the local 6:00 p.m. news and they said that even if a ambulance was at the scene they could not have rushed this poor man to the hospital due to the type of injuries he had!
It will not help Tom and his family to point fingers at certain people and say someone(s) is lying about a ambulance ever being at the derby! "
It will not help Tom and his family to point fingers at certain people and say someone(s) is lying about a ambulance ever being at the derby! "
right wing liberal wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:50 PM:
" I have great compassion for Tom and his family. I have prayed for them and will do so again and again.
But there is fingerpointing because that is what LAWYERS have taught us to do. Instead of taking responsibility for our actions, we are told that it is someone elses fault and we need to sue them.
Right now, a parade of ambulance chasing attorneys are pitching their skills to the family. An insurance settlement is an easy pay day for a LAWYER who often takes an unfairly large portion of said settlement.
Folks, this type of incident is where the fun ends. Sadly, LAWYERS will remove any chance of this derby occurring in the future. I guarantee it.
The only person who can save the derby is Mr Jester by honoring his liability waiver and standing by the car that he entered (and the clothes that he chose to wear). "
But there is fingerpointing because that is what LAWYERS have taught us to do. Instead of taking responsibility for our actions, we are told that it is someone elses fault and we need to sue them.
Right now, a parade of ambulance chasing attorneys are pitching their skills to the family. An insurance settlement is an easy pay day for a LAWYER who often takes an unfairly large portion of said settlement.
Folks, this type of incident is where the fun ends. Sadly, LAWYERS will remove any chance of this derby occurring in the future. I guarantee it.
The only person who can save the derby is Mr Jester by honoring his liability waiver and standing by the car that he entered (and the clothes that he chose to wear). "
Mt_Native wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:41 PM:
" Nobody is pointing fingers. The fact is what Keith Hatch said in the IR today. Let's refresh the memories, Weve never had an ambulance at the derby thats not to say whether right or wrong weve never had one, Hatch said. That is a lie. Flat out lie. People are po'd that there was not an ambulance there, like there IS NORMALLY! So, for someone to come along and say "never been one" is really going to spark fire. "
Tiggerx wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:27 PM:
" That all being said I think we all need to focus our attention to Tom Deanna and there family. They are going to go through alot in the next monts years and probably the rest of there lifes. As a community I am asking that we rally around them as I have seen it done many times before. There is a benefit in the works a date will be set sometime this week and will be announced in the newspaper as soon as the date is set. Also an account for donatons has been set up at American Federal Savings Bank in liue of Tom and Deanna Jester. Kyle123 has it right nomore pointing fingers, whats done is done, whats important now is making sure we do everything we can do to help Tom and his family. Judging by the calls and emails and everything else, we all care about Tom very much so lets do what we can over the next few months to help him have a quick recovery and he can tell us just how sexy bald guys really are:) "
kyle123 wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:51 PM:
" Why all the finger pointing? What happened was a terrible accident to a great guy who has been doing derbies for years. This man is fighting for his life and everyone seems to be attacking Keith Hatch, who has done tremendous things for our Fairgrounds. I have volunteered at the grounds for many years (all of which Mr. Hatch has been been there, so get your facts straight if your posting a comment)during Stampede and Fair and Keith goes out of his way for anybody that comes in his path. And I'm sure Mr. Hatch is feeling about as low as he could feel. And from what one firefighter told me, there could have been an ambulance parked right next to that car and Mr. Jester would be in no better condition. So how about just saying some prayers for him and his family. God Bless Mr. Jester "
astfurtography wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:30 PM:
" I don't know how things work at this derby as we just this past week moved to Helena. I know other derbys I have been to had ambulances and agree it did sound as if the announcer thought there was an ambulance as she said wheres the ambulance several times.
I as well as the staff of Elite Towing wish the whole family strength during this time and a quick recovery to Tom. If there is any kind of fundraiser I can help with I would love to. Maybe some kind of community photo session I don't know but have done a few in the past that have raised decent money to help the event in need.
blessings to the Jester family
renee "
I as well as the staff of Elite Towing wish the whole family strength during this time and a quick recovery to Tom. If there is any kind of fundraiser I can help with I would love to. Maybe some kind of community photo session I don't know but have done a few in the past that have raised decent money to help the event in need.
blessings to the Jester family
renee "
Tiggerx wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:18 PM:
" Lets get one thing straight, up until the point of the fire the derby was running as smooth as I have seen it run in years. The issue at hand is not and does not have any bearing on Phaedra, Phaedra did her job before she left and did it well. It is NOT her responsibility to provide the PROPER emergency people and equipment. That responsibility is on Mr. Hatch and the fairgrounds. The fact of the matter is this, with the proper emergency people and equipment there, Tom would not have had to send 23 aggonizing minutes waiting for an ambulance with better equipment to treat him. Once again Kudos to the EMT's that treated him, as I understand they did an outstanding job in caring for him with what they had. But you can not tell me that a properly equiped ambulance would not have been better if they were the first people on the scene. And nce again that falls back on the fairgrounds not the Jaycees. So anything said about Phaedra Raymond being in anyway shape or form is a false statement. W all know when we go out in these cars that there is a chance that things could happen, unfortunately it did and to some one we all love. But it would be nice to know that if it happened, that the PROPER people and equipment were there to treat you to the best extent and get you to the hospital in the quickest safest means possible. And in this case that was not so. No one is to blame, it happened no one can control that, however how it was handled is controllable. And in my mind and many many others how some of it was handled was unacceptable. But Phaedra and the Jaycees can in no way be held responsible. "
Mt_Native wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:47 PM:
" Little-hiccup: I wasn't dissing MR Hatch's ability. Re-read what I wrote. Him stating that there's "never" been an ambulance at the derby is a blatant, bold faced lie. Jackson's ambulance used to be there all the time, so please back up and take a breath.
And yes, I agree with uforacing about the fabulous fair we have, - I didn't even go to the fair....Only the Derby this year and maybe our last one here in Helena! "
And yes, I agree with uforacing about the fabulous fair we have, - I didn't even go to the fair....Only the Derby this year and maybe our last one here in Helena! "
right wing liberal wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:21 PM:
" _
Prayers to Tom! Get well soon!
Folks! Regrettably this tragedy has very little to do with the anyone but the driver. Some drivers take every precaution when preparing for the derby. However, too many drivers think this will never happen to them.
They put their cars together at the last minute, often at the expense of safety. They install makeshift tranny coolers in the passenger compartment, and run poorly protected gas lines to their tanks. I have seen many derby cars with a tin gas can for their "tank". These are highly flammable liquids people!! To top it all off, they wear summer clothes as if they were going to the beach. All too often, if a derby official attempts to question anything, they try to get off on a technicality. I hope the Demo Derby continues, it is a fun and widely watched event. Further, I hope that drivers view their own personal safety with a higher regard when getting ready for the competition.
This is a horrible tragedy, but it is wrong to blame the volunteers or the Fairgrounds staff for what was largely preventable in the first place.
I urge all drivers to take every precaution in each derby they enter! "
Prayers to Tom! Get well soon!
Folks! Regrettably this tragedy has very little to do with the anyone but the driver. Some drivers take every precaution when preparing for the derby. However, too many drivers think this will never happen to them.
They put their cars together at the last minute, often at the expense of safety. They install makeshift tranny coolers in the passenger compartment, and run poorly protected gas lines to their tanks. I have seen many derby cars with a tin gas can for their "tank". These are highly flammable liquids people!! To top it all off, they wear summer clothes as if they were going to the beach. All too often, if a derby official attempts to question anything, they try to get off on a technicality. I hope the Demo Derby continues, it is a fun and widely watched event. Further, I hope that drivers view their own personal safety with a higher regard when getting ready for the competition.
This is a horrible tragedy, but it is wrong to blame the volunteers or the Fairgrounds staff for what was largely preventable in the first place.
I urge all drivers to take every precaution in each derby they enter! "
uforacing wrote on Jul 29, 2008 12:04 PM:
" I loved Mt_Native comments. Mr. Hatch's comments are typical of someone who hasn't been in his job long and probably didn't live in Helena long either. The Derby was always staffed with Volunteer firefighters and an AMBULANCE. Until Mr Hatch took over.
I hope this doesn't cost the fans another event to see at the fair. The fair is dangerously close to becoming to lame to go to. This also is not the first fire either. why don't the Jaycees or the fairgrounds require the drivers to use a firesuit? "
I hope this doesn't cost the fans another event to see at the fair. The fair is dangerously close to becoming to lame to go to. This also is not the first fire either. why don't the Jaycees or the fairgrounds require the drivers to use a firesuit? "
chatterbox wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:46 AM:
" I very strongly disagree with Mr. Hatch regarding no ambulance ever being at the Demolition Derby in Helena. Years ago I belonged to an organization that did volunteer work during the fair. There was "always" an ambulance in attendance at all fair activities including the Demolition Derby. My love and prayers go out to Tom and his family. "
Militarymom wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:10 AM:
" My family sends the family and the injured driver our hopes and prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. Being a racing family we all know that these are dangerous sports that we are involved in. God Bless. "
little-hiccup wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:17 AM:
" Hey people! Without Keith Hatch (not Hatcher!) and many of his dedicated staff the fairgrounds would not be the facility it is today!! It is unfortunate and extremely terrible that that this had to happent to Tom. When you enter an event like this, there is always some inherrent danger that you should be aware of. What about Phaedra Raymond?? Where was she when all of this was going on? Do you know who she is? She is one of the coordinators of the Demolition Derby and if she had a problem with the staff that was there for emergencies, then maybe she should have made some changes before she left town. My family has driven in many derbies...there has not been an ambulance there only the WVF Dept first response wagon which is what was there on Sunday. And as for Tigger22X...the only other thing going down burning unfortunately is you DERBY! My love and prayers are with the entire Jester family. (whom I have also known for MANY years) "
Littlest_Fish wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:48 AM:
" My families thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as well "
Mt_Native wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:12 AM:
" To Keith Hatcher: How many derbies in Helena MT have you been involved in? Apparently just this one. You better find a new answer other than "it is not common practice to have an ambulance there during the derby..." Every derby I've attended there has been an ambulance on site. Even the announcer thought there was one there because she kept saying, "we need the ambulance out here..."
And HUGE KUDOS to the other drivers that were right there with their fire extinguishers......if it weren't for THEM, it would have been a lot worse. "
And HUGE KUDOS to the other drivers that were right there with their fire extinguishers......if it weren't for THEM, it would have been a lot worse. "
Tigger22x wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:19 AM:
" Keith Hatch is lying. By law there has to be an ambulance there or at least way to transport a person or persons with an injury at an event like this. His statement that he made will send him and the Helena fairgrounds down burning!!! I honestly cant wait to watch that fire!!!!! "
Text Size:
Small | Medium | Large
View/Post Comments
Email this story
Print this story
Rate Article
Share Article
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Demolition derby driver
in critical condition - Woman dies in motorcycle crash
- Residents confront BOR officials over mosquitoes
- Mercer mentioned, not admonished in DOJ report
- U.S. deficit zooming to half-trillion
- Cascade fire dubbed year's 'most dangerous'
- Driver faces DUI charge for Grizzly Gulch wreck
Tiggerx wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:33 AM:
I feel very bad for all involved, the fire department, the EMT's, the fairgrounds, the Jaycees, and even the drivers. Mr. Hatch is not to blame, the Jaycees are not to blame, and certainly not Tom. No one is to blame but fate itself. It was an unforseen incident that no one had any control over. It happened and we should all learn from it. Unfortunately, I am sure the fairgrounds and the county commisioners, will shut this event down rather than do the right thing and learn from our mistakes and go on. Just another event in Helena thats gonna get shut down by politics.
As for people asking about firesuits, let me just tell you this, I know of at least 11 local drvers looking into or have already ordered them. I know I am. Im gonna tell you something I know to be true, if this derby gets shut down over this one terrifying event, one person that we are all praying for right now, well, he (Tom) will be devistated. He loves the sport and would never want to see it end here because of his misfortune. So I urge the fairgrounds and the politicians who wll have the final say in the matter to let it weigh heavy on your hearts on how Tom feels about it. And trust me, when he is able, and he will be in time, I guarentee his opinion will be heard.
That all being said, can we please please please stop the bs of who's at fault and pay attention to the matter at hand, being Tom Jesters recovery and well being. There are and going to be lots of ways to help Tom and his family. I urge all of us to help out were and when we can.
Tom we all love you and you are forever in our thoughts and prayers!!!
Get well soon!!! "