Fort Worth firefighter injured while rescuing hiker who fell down embankment

A Fort Worth firefighter was injured while rescuing a hiker who fell down an embankment near Lake Worth early Friday.

Around 6 a.m., firefighters were called to the 8300 block of Cahboa Drive in Fort Worth to help a stranded hiker who’d fallen 40 feet down an embankment.

Firefighters got to the 26-year-old hiker and were getting ready to take him to the hospital.

Fort Worth Fire Lt. David Klemencic had gone back up the embankment to get some rescue tools stuck on the rocks when the ground gave way.

Klemencic, a 22-year fire lieutenant, fell about 12 feet and broke his ankle.

He knew instantly he'd broken something, but the metal in his boot kept his ankle from rolling more.

He still dislocated his ankle and had three fractures. Even while writhing in pain after his fall, he remained the selfless first responder.

“That was the frustrating thing for me,” he said. “My injury created more problems.”

Both Klemencic and the hiker were taken to nearby hospitals, where they were released around 10:30 a.m. 

Since his rescue, Klemencic's phone has been ringing off the hook from fellow firefighters, co-workers and neighbors.

He's not used to all the attention, but says he sincerely appreciates it.

He's not sure his wife and daughters will get used to seeing him so much.