Bostic escorted to Vandalia by his brother and sister first responders
VANDALIA—A community came together last week to welcome home Jason Bostic. The Van-Far Ambulance District first responder was a passenger in an ambulance on a return run from Hannibnal the evening of July 4 when a driver going the wrong way on Hwy. 61 slammed into their rig.
Leslie Dahl was driving the ambulance at the time. Both first responders were critically injured in the collision. The driver of the other vehicle died. Dahl and Bostic had to undergo multiple surgeries because of the injuries sustained in the collision.
The anticipation of Bostic’s return was palpable as crowds of people lined the streets in Vandalia ready to welcome him home. He had spent weeks in the hospital and then at a rehab facility in Columbia, Mo. Dahl continues to recover at that same Columbia facility.
Reports said people came out to wish Bostic well all along his route home. A life flight helicopter paced the long line of emergency vehicles escorting Bostic to Vandalia.
According to Van-Far Ambulance District administrator Wendy Hull, a bank account for Leslie and Jason has been established at the United Credit Union in Vandalia to help with medical expenses and loss of income while they recover. Additionally, the Van-Far Ambulance District has set up a Venmo Account (@VANFARAMBULANCE) to receive online donations and will make equal contributions into each individual account. Another fundraiser is being planned by Marlene Fisher and Cindy Evans. See related story on this page.
People started to gather more than an hour before Bostic’s column of vehicles made it to the city limit. A large tow truck parked at the intersection of Main and Hwy. 54 hoisted a huge U.S. flag.
Bostic was in one of the ambulances waving at all those who came out to give him support.