Waltham fire lieutenant injured by falling tree limb

An off-duty Waltham firefighter was injured in Framingham on Wednesday after a tree limb fell on him, prompting an outpouring of support from the department and community.

Lt. Selvin Sandoval, assigned to Engine 3 in Fire Suppression Group 2, was hurt May 20, according to Waltham Fire Chief Andrew R. Mullin. 

Sandoval was out walking his dog when he saw a large tree coming down, according to a CBS Boston report. He ran toward the tree to warn a Department of Public Works truck driver parked near it. The truck moved out of harm’s way, but Sandoval was pinned by the tree. He suffered a concussion and is now recovering.

“The Waltham Fire Department was shocked and saddened to learn about the accident involving our member Lt. Selvin Sandoval,” Mullin said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Sandoval and his family at this challenging time. We wish him a quick and full recovery.”

Sandoval joined the department Aug. 14, 2011, and was promoted to lieutenant on June 8, 2025. In addition to his operational role, he is a key member of the department’s Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) program, where he teaches fire and life safety to students from prekindergarten through grade 12 and to seniors in the community.

He also provides bilingual programming in Spanish throughout the year.