Firefighter Robert Walsh, in a medically induced coma since a colleague allegedly attacked him last week, had his breathing tube removed yesterday as doctors prepared to transfer him to another hospital so his shattered face can be rebuilt, his family said. Sources close to the case told The Post that Walsh, though groggy, was able to speak for the first time since he was put into the coma, and asked visitors about his condition.

But his brother Jim, who saw Robert later in the evening, said he hasn't heard him speak yet.

"He's doing much better," Jim Walsh told The Post. "He's still out of it, but so far so good."

Walsh was expected to be transported from Staten Island University Hospital to NYU Hospital for facial reconstruction.

Firefighter Michael Silvestri was charged with assault and weapons possession after allegedly smashing Walsh in the head with a chair as they traded barbs in the kitchen of their Tottenville firehouse New Year's Eve.

Police sources said Walsh was driven to the Staten Island hospital by firefighter Joseph Spitalieri and Capt. Terrence Sweeney in Spitalieri's car.

They told an emergency room doctor there that Walsh had fallen down a flight of stairs, sources said.

But the doctor immediately grew suspicious of their explanation when he removed a towel covering Walsh's face - and saw the severe damage.

Sweeney and Spitalieri were among six members of the firehouse reassigned as the city launched an investigation into a possible cover-up.

The Department of Investigation refused to comment on the case yesterday, but sources said the agency was looking the actions of firefighters, including bosses who showed up at Engine 151 in the eight hours between when the violence happened and when it was reported to police.

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