By Peter Currier
The Sun
CHELMSFORD, Mass. — After spending weeks in an intensive care unit and a physical rehabilitation facility, firefighter Nick Spinale is back in Chelmsford to continue his rehab progress at home with a hope of eventually getting back on the job.
Spinale faced life-threatening injuries after falling about 40 feet from the burn building at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow April 7. From there he was brought to UMass Memorial Medical Center’s intensive care unit in Worcester, where he stayed until he was discharged to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown.
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After he was discharged from Spaulding, the Chelmsford Fire Department said in a social media post that Spinale stopped by the department headquarters, and that “seeing him there meant everything to this department.”
“None of today would have been possible without the exceptional care provided by the teams at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester and Spaulding Rehabilitation in Charlestown,” said the Chelmsford Fire Department post. “Their skill and dedication over these past weeks gave Nick the foundation he needed to walk back out those doors. We are deeply grateful.”
The Chelmsford Police Department coordinated an escort home for Spinale, the Chelmsford Fire Department said, and different area fire departments staged along overpasses over Interstates 93 and 495 to recognize Spinale as he made his way home.
“Nick, we are proud of the fight you have shown and we are glad to have you back. This is only the beginning. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish from here,” said the Chelmsford Fire Department.
Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839 President Robert Albon told The Sun Monday afternoon Spinale “is such a strong kid,” and that his recovery has been far more positive than was originally expected.
“He is making such big strides in his rehabilitation process… The doctors are astounded by his progress. They’ve been telling him to slow down,” said Albon.
Albon said as Spinale has progressed in his recovery, the prospect of him eventually returning to work at the Chelmsford Fire Department is looking more possible.
“He knows it is a long road to his recovery… It is not out of the question of if he can come back to work. The question now is about the timing,” said Albon.
Albon criticized state and town officials for the inability to grant injury leave to Spinale, who was on duty for his other job at the MFA when he got hurt. Albon said the communication from the town to the union has been poor, and what little they have heard has amounted to telling the union to “go yell at the state.”
Albon said Spinale’s sick leave is projected to run out in the first or second week of June.
According to Albon, Spinale wants people to know “he appreciates the support he has received from the entire community.”
In a statement to The Sun Monday afternoon after Spinale was discharged, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan said “it was truly great to see him back at the station.”
“After several weeks of hospitalization and rehab, his return is especially meaningful. There are few moments more rewarding than seeing him walk back through the doors, progressing well and surrounded by the support of his fire department family,” said Ryan. “Nick was in excellent spirits and appears to be making strong progress in his recovery. His presence back at the station was uplifting for everyone, and we are all very thankful to have him back where he belongs.”
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