Corporal Eric Vitali, a 41-year-old 19-year veteran of the Vermont State Police (VSP), is said to have suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal fractures, and a pelvis fracture after the 8:30 a.m. collision with a Bethel Volunteer Fire Department tanker truck on March 8.
The firetruck was responding to a collision at the time and was parked a slight distance from the scene of that collision when Cpl. Vitali's vehicle collided into the large vehicle at "highway speeds." Crews had to work to free him from the wreckage, and then he was life-flighted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
“The force of the impact between the cruiser and the fire truck was significant and indicates the cruiser was traveling at highway speeds when the crash occurred,” VPD said in a statement.
The cause of the collision is still unknown at this time. Cpl. Vitali was the only person injured. VPD said that Vitali was wearing a seatbelt and driving in the passing lane when he struck the fire vehicle, which was unoccupied.
Cpl. Vitali is married and has two young boys. He is a member of multiple special teams with VSP, including the Underwater Recovery Team.
He is described as a "dedicated outdoorsman and jiu-jitsu instructor." He's also a veteran of the United States Air Force.
A Help a Hero crowdfunding campaign has been started for Cpl. Vitali and his family, who is said to be facing "enormous medical, personal and financial challenges going forward as a result of his injuries." At the time of this writing, the campaign had raised over $56,000.
"The support they have received so far has been overwhelming and appreciated," the campaign reads, "but, that support is going to need to continue well into the future. We ask you to please support Eric and his entire family, with whatever amount you can."
An email address has been created for "any LE brothers and sisters who may have gone through something similar and want to send some encouragement." That email address is evitalistories@gmail.com.
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