Community raises money for OCSD reserve deputy injured in Howell County crash
Retired MSHP Driver Examination Chief Freddie Long, 73, of West Plains, who also serves on the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force and as a reserve deputy for the Ozark County Sheriff, was injured in a crash on Highway 14 in Howell County Jan. 5.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s online crash report, Long was traveling eastbound on Highway 14, about six miles west of West Plains, in a 2002 GMC Yukon when an oncoming 2004 Ford F-150, driven by 42-year-old Andrea Spaletto of West Plains crossed the centerline and struck him head on.
Both drivers sustained serious injuries, and a 20-year old passenger in Spaletto’s vehicle, Averi Spaletto, sustained moderate injuries. All three individuals were taken to Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains. Long was transferred to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, where he has underwent multiple surgeries and medical professionals reportedly anticipate others.
Both vehicles were total losses and were towed from the scene. Long was wearing a seatbelt, but both Spalettos were not, the report says.
The crash was investigated by MSHP Cpl. J. M. Heimsoth, with assistance by Cpl. D. L. Nash.
“...The driver who crossed the centerline and struck Fred was a suspended and uninsured driver. Currently, the Long family is paying out of pocket to stay in Springfield to be with Fred while he is undergoing numerous surgeries and attempting to recover,” a post to the My Brother’s 6 Facebook page said. My Brother’s 6 is a not-for-profit organization created to help provide training and equipment to area law enforcement.
The group is selling a t-shirt in support of Long to raise funds to help offset the medical bills. MB6 is paying for the production of the shirts, so all funds go directly to Long and his family. The shirts are $25. To order, visit the My Brother’s 6 Facebook page or contact Pepper Martin at 417-293-4553.
Those who would like to give a financial donation for Long’s care can contact any Southern Bank location including two in West Plains and tell staff there the donation is for Fred Long.