A Wilmington firefighter who was critically injured in a fire that killed two colleagues was released from the hospital Thursday.
Brad Speakman was released from Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, Pennsylvania, to a throng of adoring police officer, firefighters supporters and reporters around 10 a.m.
Wilmington Fire Department Chief Anthony Goode says Speakman was provided with a firefighter and public safety escort. Goode called the occasion encouraging and joyous.
Speakman says he can't wait to get home and he's looking forward to seeing his children.
"My whole fire family has been amazing," said Speakman. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without them."
"Definitely the first time I've had a real smile in 41 days," said Speakman's wife Lauren as she escorted her husband.[[395299111, C]]
Speakman suffered burns to over 30 percent of his body while fighting a Sept. 24 fire at a home.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
A second firefighter, Ardythe Hope, remains in critical condition after suffering burns to over 70 percent of her body. Two other firefighters, Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, died in the house fire.
Resident Beatrice Fana-Ruiz is charged with arson and murder for allegedly intentionally setting the fire. [[395336201, C]]
"I remember it every day and I'm gonna remember it every day for the rest of my life," Speakman said of the fire.
He told reporters he plans to return to work eventually.
