A Bryan County Emergency Services firefighter was injured Saturday while responding to a call of a downed tree.

The firefighter, John Andriotis, is expected to recover. He was struck in the eye by a limb while helping remove a tree in Lincoln Estates, according to Bryan County EMS Director Freddy Howell. Andriotis was airlifted to Memorial in Savannah for treatment, where he was treated for a cut to his left eyelid and released. 

Here's Howell's press release, in full:

As you know, earlier this afternoon we had a strong thunderstorm move through Bryan County.  During the storm we had multiple calls – from a tree falling on a residence, to power lines down.  I think our units handled all the calls extremely well. While on a call in Lincoln Estates to a downed tree, Firefighter John Andriotis was assisting with the removal of a tree that had fallen across the road 
and power lines.  As he was removing the tree, one of the cables snapped and struck him across the face, injuring his left eye.  The Coastal Electric employee who was on the scene with him witnessed the incident and called 9-1-1.  EMS 2 and other firefighters responded, LifeStar was called and John was airlifted to Memorial Hospital for ER treatment.  Battalion Chief Simmons happened to be at the hospital with EMS 1, and accompanied John from the helicopter to the ER and stayed with him throughout.  Deputy Chief Willis and I went to Memorial to determine the extent of John’s injuries and to check to make sure he was okay. Following all examinations, he suffered a laceration on his left eyelid which was stitched up. After release from the hospital, he will go home.  His return to work is undetermined at this time.  Please keep him in your prayers as he recovers from this incident.  We look to see him back as soon as possible. Thank you to all BCES employees for your quick response time to all calls throughout the County during this severe thunderstorm.