Ohio fire chief hurt fighting in Afghanistan

JACKSON, Ohio (AP) — A community in southern Ohio is coming together to pray for its fire chief, a National Guard soldier seriously injured in Afghanistan.

Officials in Jackson say 46-year-old Chief Doug Reed was hurt by a rocket-propelled grenade near the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday. He sustained a severe concussion and facial fractures, and lost a finger on his right hand.

A news release from the Jackson County Firefighters Association says Reed is listed in very serious but stable condition and is likely to arrive today at a military medical center in San Antonio. His wife, Jana, plans to join him there.

A candlelight prayer vigil for Reed is planned for Thursday night in Jackson, about 70 miles southeast of Columbus.

Reed has been fire chief since 2005.