On 8/12/05 at approximately 1322 hours a Charles County Correctinal Officer was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision while transporting a prisoner. Correctional Officer First Class Jeffrey Merchant was seriously injured and was air lifted to Baltimore Shock Trauma. Officer Merchant is in stable condition. The members of Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad would like to send a note for speedy recovery to Officer Merchant, his family, and his fellow coworkers. The members will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.