Firefighters pitch in to help injured comrade

A Storey County firefighter recovering from injuries he received in an accident is getting a helping hand from fellow firefighters.

Members of the Nevada Division of Forestry are covering shifts for Darrin Berry, 25, until he can return to work.

Berry and his wife Kelly, 24, were walking on Toll Road in the Virginia Foothills Aug. 13 when a car driven by John Hyde, 39, of Reno ran into them.

Kelly Berry died at the scene. Darrin Berry was taken by helicopter to Washoe Medical Center where he underwent surgery to repair damages to his leg. He was released from the hospital last week.

Deputy Michelle Young of the Washoe County Sheriff's Department said investigators are awaiting the results of a drug and alcohol blood test performed on Hyde to determine if any charges will be filed.

Kelly Berry was laid to rest Saturday during a memorial service in Storey County.

According to Cherie Nevin of the Storey County Fire Department, more than 300 people attended the ceremony for the woman described by her family as an "angel."

Because of the nature of Berry's job he is unable to return to work until he is fully healed, said Nevin. That's when the Nevada Division of Forestry stepped in.

"We're covering his shifts so he collects his paycheck," said Capt. Scott Stephenson. "He is a brother and that's why we are taking care of him."

Stephenson said NDF received a call last week with a list of shifts Berry was scheduled to work.

"Within 20 minutes we had the shifts covered all the way into September," he said.

In all, 15 men are volunteering their off hours to work 15 of Berry's 24-hour shifts.

Nevin said a savings account set up in Berry's name to help cover funeral and hospital expenses received a "tremendous response."

"Darrin and his family are very appreciative," she said.