He sustained burns on 54 percent of his body, endured 10 surgeries and painful rehabilitation over the last three months, but Firefighter Robert Wiedmann smiled as he walked out of the hospital on March 23, surrounded by dozens of family, friends and firefighters.
Video: FDNY SOC Firefighters Burned in Brooklyn Fire
FDNY Firefighters Listed in Stable Condition
Firefighter Wiedmann, 38, from Rescue 2, received second- and third-degree burns on his face, hands and head while fighting a two-alarm fire in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Dec. 19. He was released from William Randolph Hearst Burn Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center 95 days after he entered.
Firefighter James Gersbeck, 52, from Rescue 2, also was seriously injured in the fire.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this journey,” Firefighter Wiedmann said. “Three months is a long time and this is an emotional thing.”
He said he never had any doubts about his recovery and said he is most happy to go home and spend more time with his two children.
During his stay at the Upper East Side hospital, the firefighter had regular visits from his family and firefighters from around the city – some Firefighter Wiedmann did not even know.
Dr. Roger Yurt, Director of the Hearst Burn Center, said the Firefighter will need more surgeries and rehabilitation but, “We wouldn’t be here right now without his fortitude.”
Liam Flaherty, the Captain of Rescue 2, described Firefighter Wiedmann as “very good stock.”
He added: “Today is the 4th of July, Happy Birthday and St. Patrick’s Day all rolled into one. Everyone in New York witnessed a miracle today.”
