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by Eyewitness News' Ken Rosato
(Rockland County, N.Y.-WABC) — A New York City firefighter critically injured back in January when he and five others were forced to jump from a burning building is back home with his family tonight.
Eyewitness News reporter Ken Rosato has more on the long-awaited homecoming.
Jeffery Cool never thought he would stand again, let alone walk. The New York City firefighter spent months at Helen Hayes hospital rehabilitating. Today, he headed home.
Jeffery Cool, FDNY: "I never thought I was gonna walk again, I really didn't. January 23rd, my whole life changed."
On January 23rd, Jeffery and five other firefighters jumped from the fourth floor window of a burning Bronx building.
Jeffery Cool, FDNY: "I broke my pelvis in several places; I broke 13 ribs, I fractured my cranium."
Two of Jeff's coworkers, Lt. Curtis Meyran and firefighter John Bellew, would die that same day. Jeff, a thirteen-year veteran, survived because he had access to an escape rope--something few of his fellow firefighters had before. And something Jeff says he's been assured they will all have from now on.
Capt. Christopher King, FDNY: "It saved his life--the rope absolutely saved his life."
The 38-year-old husband and father underwent numerous surgeries and lots of physical therapy. His recovery was so successful, he was released a week earlier than expected.
[Reporter: What are you most looking forward to now?] Jill Cool, firefighter's wife: "Just to come home every day and he's home."
Jeffery Cool, Jr., firefighter's son: "It's been a couple of months and we haven't gotten to play with him in a while; and I'm just glad he's coming home."
Jeff must still return for rehab a few days a week. But it's a small price to pay considering what he's been through.
Jeffery Cool, FDNY: "God's given me a second chance on life... and I'm gonna enjoy it."
Next up for Jeffery Cool? He says he wants to get to see some of his kids' hockey games. And wants to get back to life as it was before.
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