Off-Duty Fla. Paramedic in Stable Condition After Being Hit by Car While Helping Stabbing Victim

April 20--A paramedic injured while trying to help a woman stabbed by her husband Sunday is in stable condition, but remains in intensive care at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Orange City Firefighter-Paramedic Caroline Dorton, 45, was off-duty at a Chili's Grill & Bar on Lake Mary Boulevard with her fiance when Henry R. Brown III, who had stabbed his estranged wife, hit her with his car, Orange City Fire Chief Ronnie Long said.

"She's a really caring, compassionate person," Long said. "Her main focus in life is pretty much her family. She's just a sweet person, sweet soul."

Brown hid in the trunk of Chericia Brown's car and stabbed her, leaving her gravely injured, Seminole County deputies said.

Dorton and a nurse whom deputies have not identified rushed to help Chericia Brown.

Brown ran away, returned minutes later in his own car, and ran the three over, deputies said.

Chericia Brown was pronounced dead. Brown later killed their two children, 4-year-old Henry IV and 1-year-old Aleah, then shot and killed himself.

Dorton and the nurse who also ran to Chericia Brown's aide were injured.

Dorton does not remember everything that happened Sunday night, Long said.

Dorton, a mother of two daughters and one son, has been with the Orange City Fire Department since 2009, Long said. Before that, she was a volunteer firefighter in DeBary.

Long said he spoke with Dorton Tuesday and told her to rest and not to rush back into work.

"She's a little groggy, but she's in good spirits," Long said.

Donations to Dorton can go to the Orange City Fire Association, 215 N. Holly Ave., Orange City, FL, 32763. Anyone with questions about the fund can call 386-775-5460.

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