The Citizen has learned that the local soldier injured in Afghanistan is 21-year-old Darren Fitzpatrick. The Kelly Road Secondary School graduate is normally stationed at the Canadian Forces Base in Edmonton and was deployed to Afghanistan in fall.

It has not been disclosed by the military how Fitzpatrick was injured, or the full extent of the injuries, but friends have confirmed that he was taken to the international forces' medical base in Germany where he underwent extensive surgery.

Fitzpatrick has a large network of family in the area and was a popular youth with many friends, those who know him informed The Citizen. He is an active young man and well liked. He has two brothers, one younger and one older, with whom he is reportedly very close. His mother and father have gone to Germany to be by his side in hospital, The Citizen was told.

He is at least the second Prince George soldier injured in the line of duty while serving with international forces in Afghanistan. The first, Sapper Chris Greenaway, was decorated for his battlefield wound and he has continued his military career.

Two others with Prince George connections - Cpl. Matthew McCully and civilian journalist Michelle Lang - were killed doing their respective duties in the war there.