Burned Texas Firefighters May Return Home Soon

May 29, 2013
The two were burned in a fire that claimed fellow Bryan firefighters Lt. Eric Wallace and Lt. Greg Pickard.

May 29--Bryan City Manager Kean Register announced during Tuesday's city council meeting there is a "good chance" the two Bryan firefighters who were injured in the Knights of Columbus Hall blaze may be coming home soon.

Register received word Tuesday afternoon from nurses at the Blocker Burn Unit in Galveston that Ricky Mantey Jr. and Mitch Moran could be released Friday. Register announced the information during his council address Tuesday but said several of the details were not finalized.

Both firefighters were injured during the mid-February fire that killed Lt. Eric Wallace and Lt. Greg Pickard.

Register said Mantey's Friday release is planned but not finalized, and that he would return to Galveston once a week for treatment. He said Moran could be released the same day, but officials will not know until Wednesday.

Mantey was released from the burn unit on March 27, and Moran was released April 18, but both stayed in Galveston to continue treatments.

Register said the city is planning a reception for their return, which may include sending out Bryan Fire Engine 5 to bring them home.

Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski said the city will be elated to have them back.

"They still have a long road ahead of them, but it's great for them to be able to come on home and be able to be with their families," Bienski said. "It's exciting times."

Copyright 2013 - The Eagle, Bryan, Texas

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