From the Secret List.............

From the Secret List:
Hey,
Here is an update from FDNY on the Firefighters seriosly injured in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Dec. 19. As you know, Firefighter Robert Wiedmann, 38, from Rescue 2 received second- and third- degree burns on more than 50 percent of his body - including his face, hands and head - while fighting that two-alarm fire on Prospect Place. Firefighter James Gersbeck, 52, from Rescue 2 also was seriously injured in the fire."Everyone's working to get Rob back to his regular self," said his brother, Douglas Wiedmann. "He's an excellent firefighter and certainly is our hero."Dr. Roger Yurt, Director of the Burn Center, said he expects Firefighter Wiedmann to be in the hospital for about six to eight weeks, having approximately one surgery a week with a long road to recovery after sustaining burns to over 40 percent of his body - including his head, face and back.Doctors are providing a positive outlook saying that while most people in a similar situation would need to be put in a medically inducted coma, Wiedmann remains psychologically and physically strong. "He's very strong," he said of the 14-year veteran of the FDNY. "We've seen his psychological strength and his ability to deal with this." He is alert and communicative and he mouths words or spells out words using a board."He's always asking how we are; he's more worried about us than himself," he said.Dr. Yurt said he does not expect Firefighter Gersbeck, a 25-year veteran of the FDNY, to have a long hospital stay, noting that he has second and third degree burns that will probably heal on their own with the proper care.
Speaking of both Firefighters Wiedmann and Gersbeck, he said, "They are truly the bravest and two of the best firefighters I know."Both men also acknowledged the generosity and kindness of the members of Rescue 2, who have visited the hospital and supported the family since the fire."We can't express what your support means to us," Mr. Wiedmann said. The members of Rescue 2 are hosting several blood drives throughout the five boroughs over the coming weeks and more information will be posted here and on our home page as soon as it's available.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 12-22-11 / 1722 Hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com