Last But Not the Least: New York's Bravest Released

March 9, 2005
Its been more than a month since a fire in the Bronx took the lives of two of New York's Bravest and left four others critically injured after they jumped from a fourth floor window. Now the last of those injured firefighters is finally going home and it's with a traditional heroes send off by his brothers. Video: Last But Not the Least: One Of New York's Bravest Leaves HospitalSlideshow: Images From The Story
Video:Last But Not the Least: One Of New York's Bravest Leaves HospitalSlideshow:Images From The Story

Its been more than a month since a fire in the Bronx took the lives of two of New York's Bravest and left four others critically injured after they jumped from a fourth floor window. Now the last of those injured firefighters is finally going home and it's with a traditional heroes send off by his brothers.

Sandra Bookman is live on the East Side with more.

There was an overwhelming amount of support for Joseph DiBernardo Jr. today. He was surrounded by family,friends and firefighters.

He and four others jumped out of a fifth floor window back in January . Two of those firefighters died and four were hospitalized.

He is the last of the four to leave the hospital. Despite everything that happened he said firefighting is still a job that he loves.

Joseph DiBernardo,Injured Firefighter: "This is what I raised my right hand to do . I knew there would be circumstances like this one day. I was hoping to get a free pass but unfortunately I didn't."

DiBernardo left the hospital this morning and he is heading for rehab. He's 40 pounds lighter, he's had 11 surgeries, 10 plates in his body and 60 screws. He still says he's determined to walk again by his sister's wedding in August.

Full Coverage

Official FDNY Releases & Briefs

The Tragedy in Photos

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