By Peter Currier
The Sun
CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Firefighter union officials identified a Chelmsford firefighter who was severely injured in a fall Tuesday morning in Stow, and shared an update about his recovery.
Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839 President Rob Albon identified the injured firefighter as Nick Spinale, who was working at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow Tuesday morning when he fell approximately 40 feet from a burn building used for training.
“Firefighter Spinale fell approximately 40 ft unrestrained landing on solid concrete. He suffered significant internal and external injuries which required transport via UMass Memorial Life flight,” said Albon in the statement Wednesday afternoon. “Firefighter Spinale remains in the intensive care unit at UMass Memorial in Worcester where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries. Our members continue to be present with him and his loved ones.”
Albon said Spinale “will have a significant road to recovery,” which will require “multiple surgeries and physical rehabilitation.”
“The outpouring of support from fellow firefighters with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, International Association of Firefighters and the residents of Chelmsford and throughout Massachusetts has been astounding,” said Albon.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Spinale’s recovery at giving.gofundme.com/campaign/788180/donate.
“The Chelmsford Firefighters Local 1839 extends its gratitude to Massachusetts Firefighting Academy staff and the Fire/EMS personnel from Stow, Sudbury and Life Flight who provided immediate care at the scene and during transport,” said Albon.
Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan told The Sun Wednesday afternoon that after a period where Spinale was medically sedated, “he has experienced brief moments of alertness and has been able to speak with friends and family.”
“He has responded appropriately to some of the medical staff’s questions and, most importantly, was able to embrace his mother. He has also shown improved motor responses. These are all encouraging signs as we continue to pray for his full recovery,” said Ryan.
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