WESTPORT, Mass. — Two firefighters were injured Thursday night after falling from a roof while extinguishing a chimney fire.
Turnto10 reported that firefighter Steven Lopes, 47, remains at a hospital in critical condition. The other firefighter, Robert Manchester, was taken to a hospital and was treated and released, according to the report.
Firefighter Lopes went into surgery Friday morning for multiple trauma injuries after falling 30 feet from the roof. Fire officials said there were icy conditions atop the roof that caused the two firefighters to fall, according to the report.
Known throughout the region for his Portuguese Fireman comedy act, firefighter Lopes is “an all-around great guy,” Fire Chief Brian R. Legendre said to EastBayRI reporters. “He is a very dedicated father of two — they are his life — a 10-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter.”
Firefighter Lopes was coughing up blood at the scene, injured his spine and leg, and remained conscious and talking the entire time, Turnto10 reported.
The surgery is still underway and is expected to last until 4 p.m. Friday, according to the report.
Many friends are posting get well wishes on his Facebook page here.