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NEW YORK -- A firefighter who was badly burned battling a house fire two months ago has battled back from his injuries. Lieutenant Steven Halliday suffered critical burns fighting a two-alarm blaze in the Saint Albans section of Queens on November 7th. Now he's back home with his family. He talked to our Art McFarland.
Lt. Steven Halliday faced more than his release from the hospital Monday, he was treated to a hero's reception.
Lt. Stephen Halliday, FDNY: "I'd just like to thank everybody right now for being here and... It just... It's amazing how much good has come out of all of this."
Firefighters hoisted a giant flag with two fire trucks outside New York Presbyterian, Cornell-Weill Medical Center and turned the day into an event.
Tim Farley, FDNY: "Steve's a great guy, great man, went through a great ordeal and he's coming out of it on top."
The fire that changed Halliday's life occurred on November 7th in the St. Albans section of Queens. The lieutenant recalled Monday how he made the decision that it had become too hot for he and his men to stay inside.
Lt. Halliday: "We started backing out and then the room lit up..."
Michael Koncz, FDNY: "Steve was the first guy in there, leading the guys in, and he knew it was a little bit of trouble and he started backing the guys out. I think Steve saved lives that day."
Halliday's wife Linda recalls the ride to Nassau County Medical Center, where her husband was first taken.
Linda Halliday, Victim's Wife: "They couldn't tell me if he was alive or dead, so that was... That was pretty torturous. But as soon as I got there the chief told me he was alive and from that moment I just told them, 'As long as you keep him alive I can deal with anything else."
The burns to Halliday's ears and head are plain to see. He has undergone numerous skin grafts and surgical procedures, including the partial amputation of some of his fingers. Still, he says he is ready to face the future.
Lt. Halliday: "It's time. It's time to get back to my family, to try to get back to a normal life."
Considering the care and support he has received, the FDNY lieutenant is off to a very good start.
