Chicago firefighter paralyzed on duty released from medical care after 4 months
A Chicago firefighter who was injured on-duty and partially paralyzed last October was released from medical care Thursday.
His fellow firefighters surprised him with a hero's send-off.
Chicago firefighter John Anderson left the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab after nearly four months.
Anderson had been rehabbing from a catastrophic on-duty injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
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'It was 108 days,' he said 'It's just kind of a new chapter, but getting stronger every day.'
He was greeted with a firewall of support on his departure. More than two dozen members of the Chicago Fire Department who were ready with fist bumps and firm hugs.
'It was surreal,' Anderson said. 'I couldn't believe all the support they gave me. I mean, what happened to me was surreal, but I couldn't get through it without all their help.'
Since his injury while responding to a fire last October, he's been undergoing grueling rehabilitation at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in downtown Chicago.
It's a long way from his firehouse in Burnside, Chicago's smallest neighborhood nestled on the South Side. There, the 50-year-old served the department on Truck 42.
'It's great to see him coming out looking strong,' Capt. Chris Steinmetz said. 'And he's had a positive attitude his whole way through which has been amazing, just good to see him make it here and doing so well, still.'
From the time Anderson was a boy, the CFD seemed to be calling him to duty. He represented the fourth generation of his family to serve Chicago as a firefighter.
Now, his 24-year career comes to an end, as he says, and a new chapter begins.
'It's amazing. I'd just like to thank them all. The fire department's been amazing, a great bunch of guys,' he said.
Anderson was the oldest member of his firehouse and was viewed as a sort of father-figure. As he left the facility, he offered some fatherly advice telling his supporters, 'Listen to the older guys. There's wisdom in experience.'
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