By Christine Armario
Newsday
Copyright 2007 Newsday, Inc.
WEST ISLIP, N.Y. — The two West Islip firefighters who Suffolk police said were struck by a drunken teenage girl last week are making a slow but steady recovery, according to a statement released by the department’s spokesman.
Thomas Devlin, 19, and Joseph Ortiz, 18, are being treated for head injuries, fractures and other injuries at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where they remain in serious but stable condition, the Fire Department said yesterday.
“The young men have both been taken off the ventilators they were initially on and have been able to communicate with family and friends by hand gestures and limited verbal responses,” the statement said. “The families of the two, as well as the medical staff overseeing their care, are impressed with the improvements T.J. and Joe have shown, but acknowledge they have a long road to recovery ahead of the them.”
Jillian Lazinsky, 17, of West Islip, has been charged with driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury.
According to Department of Motor Vehicle records, she was driving with a permit. She has not been charged with any vehicle or traffic violations related to the status of her permit. Authorities are investigating.
Devlin and Ortiz were at the West Islip firehouse Wednesday evening, first for training, then for a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift as part of the emergency medical crew. About three hours into the shift, they went out to get a snack and were struck a block away from the firehouse, authorities said.
The Fire Department yesterday offered its gratitude for all the support the two firefighters have received. “We ask that you keep Firefighters Devlin and Ortiz in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their recovery,” the department said.