HEATHER CASEYFirehouse.Com News
Johnny King was an inspiration to his fellow firefighters because he didn't let his disability stop him from succeeding at the work he loved.
King, 48, died of a heart attack as he was sleeping Thanksgiving morning.
Photo Courtesy Parker Fire Protection DistrictKing graduated from the Career Firefighter Academy conducted at the Parker Fire Training Academy and became a full time career Fire Training Assistant for Parker Fire in 1999.He lost his legs to a land mine in Vietnam when he was 18, but after dealing with depression, King eventually found his calling in the fire service and thrived on the challenges and the camaraderie.
"He loved the fire service so much it was unbelievable, and it was sort of contagious," said Wayne DeGesualdo, battalion chief at Parker Fire District in Colorado.
King became a volunteer at the Castle Rock Fire Department ten years ago.
"I never heard 'I can't,'" said Lt. Brett Johnson of Castle Rock. "He was an inspiration to both people in the firehouse and out of the firehouse."
In 1996 King also attended the Douglas County Volunteer Firefighter I Academy and started volunteering in the training division at Parker Fire Protection District.
But he was always looking for more of a challenge.
"I thought I could use him to do administration type stuff, and he did that first - he did whatever I asked him to do," DeGesualdo said. "But he constantly asked what else he could do and eventually started getting into more physical stuff."
Photo Courtesy Parker Fire Protection DistrictKing pictured front row, center"He would work 50 or 60 hours a week - I'd have to make him go home," the chief said.
DeGesualdo expected to have King help him run the Parker Fire Training Academy for career firefighters in March 1997, but instead, King asked if he could participate.
He felt that to train firefighters he would have to go through the same training they would have to complete.
"It was a cautious thing on my part," DeGesualdo said. "He continued to surprise and amaze me with what he would do."
King graduated from the academy in 1997 and became a full time career Fire Training Assistant for Parker Fire in 1999.
"I said Johnny, I don't want this to be a punishment because now I have to limit the time you work here," DeGesualdo said.
Ted Christopoulos, a firefighter/paramedic at Parker Fire, went through the academy with King.
"It was really interesting when we first saw him, but he showed in the first week he was just as tough, if not tougher, than any of us," Christopoulos said.
Photo Courtesy Parker Fire Protection DistrictChristopoulos said the most amazing thing he saw King do was complete the rappelling exercise off the academy's tower. On his hands, King climbed up the five flights of stairs, got onto the balcony, and climbed the ladder to the top of the tower. Once he jumped he had to bounce his body, instead of legs, against the side as he went all the way down.
King worked with or without his wheelchair, depending on the activity.
When working in the burn building he moved around on his hands despite the hot temperatures.
"That had to be quite uncomfortable, but he never complained and always maintained a positive attitude," Christopoulos said. "You got to think of him not as handicapped but as someone truly motivated."
There were some things King did differently from the other recruits.
When the others went on six mile runs he'd either work in the weight room or come on the trails in a special wheelchair. He also couldn't drive the apparatus, even though he did ask about having them fitted with manual controls, DeGesualdo said.
After graduation, when his friends were assigned to different stations, King stayed in the training division and helped over the next three years with the new academies and regular training for current crews.
He was also doing public education in the schools. "They fell in love with Johnny," DeGesualdo said. "We would hear back that kids would say, 'Johnny King said this,' not 'the fire department said this.'"
King also continued to support the Castle Rock and Parker Fire crews in any way he could during real emergencies, such as by changing air bottles, directing traffic, carrying tools or initiating patient care.
"He just wanted to be down there all the time and involved with the crews. That's what made him happy - that was his spirit," Christopoulos said
Monday, January 28, 2008
Florida Firefighter Amputee Passes Test, Wins Job
Florida Firefighter Amputee Passes Test, Wins Job
in between graphs)*********-->HEATHER CASPIFirehouse.Com News
Volusia County firefighter Bill Henry didn't mind the extra time it took him to pass his agility test, compared to two years ago. He still beat the average time, which is pretty good - especially considering that this time he did it with one leg made of metal.
On August 18, Henry will return to full duty just 14 months after losing his lower left leg in a motorcycle accident.
Henry, 30, was a firefighter for eight years and a member of his department's Firefighter Combat Challenge team until a day off in May 2000 turned disastrous. While he was riding his motorcycle, a car cut him off and the collision sent him flying onto the pavement, injuring his leg beyond repair.
Doctors told him he could keep the leg, but he would have to give up his active lifestyle, and hardest of all, his job as a firefighter. He quickly chose to amputate below the knee and to get on with his life.
Henry had no doubt that he would return to the fire service after such a serious setback.
"This is my dream job. That's why I fought so hard," he said.
Henry kept his upper body in shape by weight training up to five days a week. His right leg almost doubled in size after months of carrying him around.
He first tried using a temporary prosthesis in July of 2000, but it caused a sore and an infection. He tried again in March 2001 and was able to walk with it, and then got a permanent prosthesis in May 2001.
In mid May Henry was back playing softball with his coworkers and told the department he would be ready soon.
He was able to ride a bicycle again, and was preparing for the agility test he would have to pass to get back on duty.
With the help of a therapist, he practiced for each part of the test at the department's training center. He began with the dash up five flights of stairs with a 50 foot, three inch hose line, because it would help build his left leg, he said. Henry also followed the therapist's advice to practice some tai chi exercises.
"Basically, I practiced hard three times a week for about two months," he said.
Henry set two different dates to take the agility test in July but moved them for scheduling reasons and to make sure that Chief Jim Tauber would be able to attend. The date was finally set for Friday, August 3.
By then, he had a lot of fans.
He said the support he has gotten has been awesome.
Henry has received letters from firefighters all over the U.S. and Canada, and he said none of them ever questioned whether he could accomplish his goal or if it was the right choice.
About 100 people came out in the rain to support Henry Friday, including Chief Tauber, coworkers, his mother from North Carolina, his father from Orlando, his girlfriend, or "better half" as he prefers to call her, and the friend he was riding with day of his accident. There was also a swarm of local media.
Henry said the week leading up to the event was stressful and he didn't sleep much the night before. "I knew I would pass the test, but there's still the lingering doubt, 'What if something happens?'"
His biggest concern was moving the 185 pound dummy. But everything went smoothly, and he flew through the test with a time of 5:27.
When Henry took the agility test two years ago his time was 2:50, but his time Friday is still ahead of the average time for new hires, which is 5:30, he said.
Henry wasn't the only one thrilled with his success. On Saturday, "I woke up and here I am smiling at the whole world on the front page of the newspaper," he said.
Despite the obstacles, Henry believes any firefighter could accomplish what he did if they really wanted to.
"I think we're a unique breed of people," he said. "When everybody else is rushing to get out of a burning building we're rushing to get in. I would like to think any one of us could come back."
Getting his job back was the last step in getting his life back, Henry said. He has already returned to the other activities he enjoys, including riding his new motorcycle, riding horses, playing softball, and stock car driving.
He even plans to train again for the Firefighter Combat Challenge, and if his team qualifies, he plans to attend the world finals in November.
But Henry warns that despite his success, the process of recovery has been extremely difficult.
"The past 14 months hasn't been easy," he said. "There have been ups and downs, days I didn't want to talk to anybody or get out of bed. I didn't just put my leg on and life was back to normal."
Henry doesn't try to hide the black and chrome prosthesis, and continues to wear shorts almost all the time. But sometimes it still seems strange to see how he has changed. "I walk in front of a full length mirror or a store window, and it dawns on me that I'm wearing this thing," he said.
Henry hopes that other people in similar situations will see that they too can get anything they want out of life.
"Your life isn't over," he said. "If your body is capable, there's nothing that you can't do."
Stuntman Becomes First Amputee California Firefighter
When Arrowbear Fire Department hired Glenn Malmskog little did they realize they would be making history. According to State Fire Marshal records, Mr. Malmskog is the first amputee full duty City Firefighter in the history of California.
A member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Mr. Malmskog strongly believes in civic duty and personal responsibility. He first gained experience in Texas as a Firefighter/Paramedic in the early 80's. He continued working in public service as a Deputy Sheriff /Paramedic until 1990 when he started his stunt career.
Working exclusively in film and television for the last 8 years, he joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1999. Just prior to joining SAG Mr. Malmskog injured his knee while working on a film in West Texas and although after surgery recovered fully from his initial injury. A painful degenerative bone disease related to the 18 months of relative immobility had infected his ankle resulting in his leg being amputated in March of 2000.
Mr. Malmskog is looking forward to continuing his career as a Professional Stuntman while he attends California Fire and EMT school. He hopes he will serve as an inspiration to other disabled persons around the world to reach out and achieve their dreams.
Another amputee Mr. Malmskog met the first week he lost his leg taught him the words he lives by. "We have two choices as amputees. We can be an amputee and be miserable or be an amputee and be happy. It is just that simple".
in between graphs)*********-->HEATHER CASPIFirehouse.Com News
Volusia County firefighter Bill Henry didn't mind the extra time it took him to pass his agility test, compared to two years ago. He still beat the average time, which is pretty good - especially considering that this time he did it with one leg made of metal.
On August 18, Henry will return to full duty just 14 months after losing his lower left leg in a motorcycle accident.
Henry, 30, was a firefighter for eight years and a member of his department's Firefighter Combat Challenge team until a day off in May 2000 turned disastrous. While he was riding his motorcycle, a car cut him off and the collision sent him flying onto the pavement, injuring his leg beyond repair.
Doctors told him he could keep the leg, but he would have to give up his active lifestyle, and hardest of all, his job as a firefighter. He quickly chose to amputate below the knee and to get on with his life.
Henry had no doubt that he would return to the fire service after such a serious setback.
"This is my dream job. That's why I fought so hard," he said.
Henry kept his upper body in shape by weight training up to five days a week. His right leg almost doubled in size after months of carrying him around.
He first tried using a temporary prosthesis in July of 2000, but it caused a sore and an infection. He tried again in March 2001 and was able to walk with it, and then got a permanent prosthesis in May 2001.
In mid May Henry was back playing softball with his coworkers and told the department he would be ready soon.
He was able to ride a bicycle again, and was preparing for the agility test he would have to pass to get back on duty.
With the help of a therapist, he practiced for each part of the test at the department's training center. He began with the dash up five flights of stairs with a 50 foot, three inch hose line, because it would help build his left leg, he said. Henry also followed the therapist's advice to practice some tai chi exercises.
"Basically, I practiced hard three times a week for about two months," he said.
Henry set two different dates to take the agility test in July but moved them for scheduling reasons and to make sure that Chief Jim Tauber would be able to attend. The date was finally set for Friday, August 3.
By then, he had a lot of fans.
He said the support he has gotten has been awesome.
Henry has received letters from firefighters all over the U.S. and Canada, and he said none of them ever questioned whether he could accomplish his goal or if it was the right choice.
About 100 people came out in the rain to support Henry Friday, including Chief Tauber, coworkers, his mother from North Carolina, his father from Orlando, his girlfriend, or "better half" as he prefers to call her, and the friend he was riding with day of his accident. There was also a swarm of local media.
Henry said the week leading up to the event was stressful and he didn't sleep much the night before. "I knew I would pass the test, but there's still the lingering doubt, 'What if something happens?'"
His biggest concern was moving the 185 pound dummy. But everything went smoothly, and he flew through the test with a time of 5:27.
When Henry took the agility test two years ago his time was 2:50, but his time Friday is still ahead of the average time for new hires, which is 5:30, he said.
Henry wasn't the only one thrilled with his success. On Saturday, "I woke up and here I am smiling at the whole world on the front page of the newspaper," he said.
Despite the obstacles, Henry believes any firefighter could accomplish what he did if they really wanted to.
"I think we're a unique breed of people," he said. "When everybody else is rushing to get out of a burning building we're rushing to get in. I would like to think any one of us could come back."
Getting his job back was the last step in getting his life back, Henry said. He has already returned to the other activities he enjoys, including riding his new motorcycle, riding horses, playing softball, and stock car driving.
He even plans to train again for the Firefighter Combat Challenge, and if his team qualifies, he plans to attend the world finals in November.
But Henry warns that despite his success, the process of recovery has been extremely difficult.
"The past 14 months hasn't been easy," he said. "There have been ups and downs, days I didn't want to talk to anybody or get out of bed. I didn't just put my leg on and life was back to normal."
Henry doesn't try to hide the black and chrome prosthesis, and continues to wear shorts almost all the time. But sometimes it still seems strange to see how he has changed. "I walk in front of a full length mirror or a store window, and it dawns on me that I'm wearing this thing," he said.
Henry hopes that other people in similar situations will see that they too can get anything they want out of life.
"Your life isn't over," he said. "If your body is capable, there's nothing that you can't do."
Stuntman Becomes First Amputee California Firefighter
When Arrowbear Fire Department hired Glenn Malmskog little did they realize they would be making history. According to State Fire Marshal records, Mr. Malmskog is the first amputee full duty City Firefighter in the history of California.
A member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Mr. Malmskog strongly believes in civic duty and personal responsibility. He first gained experience in Texas as a Firefighter/Paramedic in the early 80's. He continued working in public service as a Deputy Sheriff /Paramedic until 1990 when he started his stunt career.
Working exclusively in film and television for the last 8 years, he joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1999. Just prior to joining SAG Mr. Malmskog injured his knee while working on a film in West Texas and although after surgery recovered fully from his initial injury. A painful degenerative bone disease related to the 18 months of relative immobility had infected his ankle resulting in his leg being amputated in March of 2000.
Mr. Malmskog is looking forward to continuing his career as a Professional Stuntman while he attends California Fire and EMT school. He hopes he will serve as an inspiration to other disabled persons around the world to reach out and achieve their dreams.
Another amputee Mr. Malmskog met the first week he lost his leg taught him the words he lives by. "We have two choices as amputees. We can be an amputee and be miserable or be an amputee and be happy. It is just that simple".
Amputee Firefighter and Stuntman Goes Full Speed Ahead
Firefighter, movie stuntman, emergency medical technician, and powerlifterWilliam Malmskog hasn't let being a transtibial amputee slow him down.
Besides these activities, Malmskog, 41, has a black belt in karate and is a nationally certified personal trainer. He taught karate classes at the 2002 Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) national meeting in Long Beach, CA. He is an avid hiker, backpacker, and kayaker. "I'm not a superman, but there are things I want to do," says Malmskog. "I'm not willing to give up on life because I lost a leg."
Malmskog's right leg was amputated below the knee in March 2000. In 1996 he suffered a severe knee injury while working as a professional stuntman. He underwent a seven-and-a-half hour knee reconstruction surgery and almost two years of rehabilitation; however, his ankle was deteriorating due to bone spurs. The pain was tremendous, causing Malmskog to make the decision to have the leg amputated. The surgery was performed in March 2002.
Malmskog got involved in firefighting as a teenager when his father became a volunteer firefighter after retiring from military service. "I found out it was a good way to get out of school," he laughs, "but I also found out that I really enjoyed it." The fire department needed some emergency medical technicians (EMTs), so Malmskog became qualified after turning 18, going on to become a paramedic and EMS instructor as well.
As to how he became a stuntman, he says, "My grandparents worked for MGM back in the 1920s and 30sI guess it's in the blood." Malmskog got his first taste of the movies in the early 1970s when a friend in Fort Worth, Texas, who was working on a movie, invited him to come and work as an extra. "They paid about $20 a day," he chuckles. "I did a couple of other films." Then in the 1980s and 90s, he went into law enforcement. Another friend called and said that people who knew how to handle automatic weapons were needed for movie work. This time, the pay was $500 a day, and he was offered his first stunt job in the film Space Marine.
Malmskog received his first two prosthetic legs through the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. He was using Ossur's Iceflex sleeves and "chewing them up about every four months" due to his extremely active life, and he had no insurance. A second-generation Swedish-American, he wrote a letter to Ossur in Swedish, describing his activities as a firefighter and stuntman and looking for possible sponsorship. The company asked him to become a member of Team Ossur, where he is now a powerlifter and company spokesman. When he competes in AAU events, he wears a lift suit with the Ossur logo. "It allows me to talk with others about my story and what Ossur has done for me," he says. He also continues his work as a firefighter and an EMT.
Ossur recommended that he go to the Loma Linda University Medical Center O&P Lab, which provides prosthetic care for Rudy Garcia-Tolson and other noted amputee athletes. And there he met a creative young prosthetist, Mike Davidson, CPO. Davidson fit him with an Ossur Flex-Foot Re-Flex VSP and Sports Liner with a pin lock. "It was an amazing difference!" Malmskog exclaims. "Compared with what I had before, it was so responsive that it was like having a jet pack strapped to my leg."
Malmskog uses the Re-Flex VSP for his daily leg. However, when he needs a reactive ankle for over-the-side rescues, standing on steep pitched roofs, and fighting structure fires, he uses an Ossur Talux prosthesis.
Malmskog appreciates Davidson's willingness to try different designs and ideas and listen to Malmskog's input. "He tried seven or eight sockets on me. When we got the one that worked the best, I came back from fighting wildfires and said we need to make some adjustments.
"Mike came up with a totally different casting procedure, because in powerlifting my knee has to break a 90-degree plane to deadlift and squat. At first, I couldn't get the knee back far enough. Now when we do a check socket, he heats the back of the knee, then I grab it and pull it back as far as I need it. It's custom-molded to the flexion I need." Malmskog can now squat, deadlift, and do full leg presses much better than before.
He has just started training again in powerlifting this past year. He is in the 82.5 kg class with a competition body weight of 170-175 lbs. He bench-presses 315 lbs., deadlifts 530 lbs., and leg-presses 1,500-2,000 lbs. in his training phase. Last year he took first place at the AAU Powerlifting Nationals and second in IPC Powerlifting at the National Sports Festival for the Disabled.
Malmskog is proud to be qualified as the first amputee firefighter/EMT in California history. He has helped a couple of other amputee firefighters get their jobs back by being an advocate and spokesperson, and is currently helping another one to regain his job. He is a motivational speaker and active on an amputee Internet listserver when time allows, providing fitness advice and encouraging other amputees. "Being an amputee is no reason to de-condition," he stresses.
"If I can take something negative, like losing my leg, and turn it into a positive by helping someone, then it's not such a tragedy."
As Published in the OandP post
Besides these activities, Malmskog, 41, has a black belt in karate and is a nationally certified personal trainer. He taught karate classes at the 2002 Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) national meeting in Long Beach, CA. He is an avid hiker, backpacker, and kayaker. "I'm not a superman, but there are things I want to do," says Malmskog. "I'm not willing to give up on life because I lost a leg."
Malmskog's right leg was amputated below the knee in March 2000. In 1996 he suffered a severe knee injury while working as a professional stuntman. He underwent a seven-and-a-half hour knee reconstruction surgery and almost two years of rehabilitation; however, his ankle was deteriorating due to bone spurs. The pain was tremendous, causing Malmskog to make the decision to have the leg amputated. The surgery was performed in March 2002.
Malmskog got involved in firefighting as a teenager when his father became a volunteer firefighter after retiring from military service. "I found out it was a good way to get out of school," he laughs, "but I also found out that I really enjoyed it." The fire department needed some emergency medical technicians (EMTs), so Malmskog became qualified after turning 18, going on to become a paramedic and EMS instructor as well.
As to how he became a stuntman, he says, "My grandparents worked for MGM back in the 1920s and 30sI guess it's in the blood." Malmskog got his first taste of the movies in the early 1970s when a friend in Fort Worth, Texas, who was working on a movie, invited him to come and work as an extra. "They paid about $20 a day," he chuckles. "I did a couple of other films." Then in the 1980s and 90s, he went into law enforcement. Another friend called and said that people who knew how to handle automatic weapons were needed for movie work. This time, the pay was $500 a day, and he was offered his first stunt job in the film Space Marine.
Malmskog received his first two prosthetic legs through the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. He was using Ossur's Iceflex sleeves and "chewing them up about every four months" due to his extremely active life, and he had no insurance. A second-generation Swedish-American, he wrote a letter to Ossur in Swedish, describing his activities as a firefighter and stuntman and looking for possible sponsorship. The company asked him to become a member of Team Ossur, where he is now a powerlifter and company spokesman. When he competes in AAU events, he wears a lift suit with the Ossur logo. "It allows me to talk with others about my story and what Ossur has done for me," he says. He also continues his work as a firefighter and an EMT.
Ossur recommended that he go to the Loma Linda University Medical Center O&P Lab, which provides prosthetic care for Rudy Garcia-Tolson and other noted amputee athletes. And there he met a creative young prosthetist, Mike Davidson, CPO. Davidson fit him with an Ossur Flex-Foot Re-Flex VSP and Sports Liner with a pin lock. "It was an amazing difference!" Malmskog exclaims. "Compared with what I had before, it was so responsive that it was like having a jet pack strapped to my leg."
Malmskog uses the Re-Flex VSP for his daily leg. However, when he needs a reactive ankle for over-the-side rescues, standing on steep pitched roofs, and fighting structure fires, he uses an Ossur Talux prosthesis.
Malmskog appreciates Davidson's willingness to try different designs and ideas and listen to Malmskog's input. "He tried seven or eight sockets on me. When we got the one that worked the best, I came back from fighting wildfires and said we need to make some adjustments.
"Mike came up with a totally different casting procedure, because in powerlifting my knee has to break a 90-degree plane to deadlift and squat. At first, I couldn't get the knee back far enough. Now when we do a check socket, he heats the back of the knee, then I grab it and pull it back as far as I need it. It's custom-molded to the flexion I need." Malmskog can now squat, deadlift, and do full leg presses much better than before.
He has just started training again in powerlifting this past year. He is in the 82.5 kg class with a competition body weight of 170-175 lbs. He bench-presses 315 lbs., deadlifts 530 lbs., and leg-presses 1,500-2,000 lbs. in his training phase. Last year he took first place at the AAU Powerlifting Nationals and second in IPC Powerlifting at the National Sports Festival for the Disabled.
Malmskog is proud to be qualified as the first amputee firefighter/EMT in California history. He has helped a couple of other amputee firefighters get their jobs back by being an advocate and spokesperson, and is currently helping another one to regain his job. He is a motivational speaker and active on an amputee Internet listserver when time allows, providing fitness advice and encouraging other amputees. "Being an amputee is no reason to de-condition," he stresses.
"If I can take something negative, like losing my leg, and turn it into a positive by helping someone, then it's not such a tragedy."
As Published in the OandP post
LA Amputee Firefighter Determined to Work in the Field Again
After 25 years in active service as a Los Angeles, California, city firefighter, Greg Malais, 45, finds himself fighting for his job. Almost four years after he lost his right foot on the job, Malais's uphill battle to return to work continues despite a recent court ruling in his favor. "You've got to keep plugging away," he says. "You can't give up because if you do, they win."
October 5, 2002, was shaping up to be an uneventful day at the firehouse until Malais stepped off his fire truck. The driver of the truck unwittingly turned the wheel and ran over Malais's right foot, crushing it and his ankle. In trying to correct the turn and relieve Malais's pinned foot, the driver nearly tore it off completely and severed most major blood vessels, so that, despite the emergency doctor's best efforts to save his foot, an amputation was necessary. A prosthetist advised a mid-calf amputation for optimum socket fit and Malais received a prosthetic leg four months after the surgery.
In October 2003, a full year after the accident, Malais returned to the same LA fire department and has worked at a "desk job" ever since. "I worked out and tried to prove that I could do the job," he says. "I took the entrance-level firefighter exam, which included an obstacle course, and had a friend videotape the whole thing." The result was a half-hour of footage showing his agility and capability.
City, Fire Chief Fight Reinstatement
A physician's report, stating that Malais was fit to return to full duty, referenced this videotape. Though Malais thought he would be immediately returned to active duty upon his physician's approval, he remained at the desk job. "Nothing changed, so I asked, What's going on?' and I got laughed at," he says. Malais explained that despite passing competency tests and the physician's review, the decision to be returned to active duty in his fire department rests on the shoulders of the fire chief, or department head. "[The fire chief] told me that the city needs a legal compulsion or judge's orders to reinstate me," Malais explains. "So, the legal battle began."
The city hired a private law firm and, to Malais' great disappointment, tended to stretch out the proceedings. "We would set a date for a settlement hearing and the city wouldn't show up. So we'd have to reschedule. Or they would wait until the last day that they could appeal the decision and then file," Malais says. "I'm just trying to get my job back, and all I could do was watch all this time go by. The trial was put off by almost a year."
Wins Case, but Not Given Job Back
When his case finally went to trial, the judge ruled in his favor, citing the American Disability Act (ADA) and giving the city the maximum penalty allowed in a workers' compensation case. The judge decreed Malais's reinstatement and ordered the city to "back-pay" Malais for missed overtime work. However, his fire chief still didn't allow his full return and, according to Malais, made such discriminatory comments in legal depositions as, "There will never be an amputee firefighter in LA," and "You can't grow a leg back." The chief's position has been that based on his experience, amputees can't do the job. The chief also cites the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) rules and standards, claiming that NFPA medical standards state firefighters must have all their body parts. "The city is trying to hang its hat on that, but they can't," says Malais. "The NFPA is not a governing body. It doesn't say anything about what should happen in cases when you're injured on the job. It doesn't mention ability. This agency just makes suggestions and fire departments aren't necessarily in 100-percent compliance with them."
The city filed an appeal.
That case was recently decided, and the court once again sided with Malais. Though the head city attorney says he will not appeal this decision again, the fire chief hasn't given up the fight. Even as the city pays the penalty for disability discrimination charges, the chief writes letters to the fire commission and city council to keep Malais out of a job. "Even though I won, I don't gloat when I see him," Malais says. "Most people probably would have just retired. But, it's too big a part of my life for me to do that. I plan to be a truck fireman for the next ten years."
Keeping Up the Legacy
Malais comes from a family of LA firefighters, including his father, brother, and cousin. His 20-year-old son wants to continue the legacy. As Malais recovers from a handball injury to his biceps muscle, he anticipates his return to full duty. "It hasn't been easy," Malais says. "There were times when I thought, this is too much.' But I'm hard-headed and won't give up."
Sherry Metzger, MS, is a freelance writer with degrees in anatomy and neurobiology. She is based in Westminster, Colorado, and may be reached atsherry@opedge.com
October 5, 2002, was shaping up to be an uneventful day at the firehouse until Malais stepped off his fire truck. The driver of the truck unwittingly turned the wheel and ran over Malais's right foot, crushing it and his ankle. In trying to correct the turn and relieve Malais's pinned foot, the driver nearly tore it off completely and severed most major blood vessels, so that, despite the emergency doctor's best efforts to save his foot, an amputation was necessary. A prosthetist advised a mid-calf amputation for optimum socket fit and Malais received a prosthetic leg four months after the surgery.
In October 2003, a full year after the accident, Malais returned to the same LA fire department and has worked at a "desk job" ever since. "I worked out and tried to prove that I could do the job," he says. "I took the entrance-level firefighter exam, which included an obstacle course, and had a friend videotape the whole thing." The result was a half-hour of footage showing his agility and capability.
City, Fire Chief Fight Reinstatement
A physician's report, stating that Malais was fit to return to full duty, referenced this videotape. Though Malais thought he would be immediately returned to active duty upon his physician's approval, he remained at the desk job. "Nothing changed, so I asked, What's going on?' and I got laughed at," he says. Malais explained that despite passing competency tests and the physician's review, the decision to be returned to active duty in his fire department rests on the shoulders of the fire chief, or department head. "[The fire chief] told me that the city needs a legal compulsion or judge's orders to reinstate me," Malais explains. "So, the legal battle began."
The city hired a private law firm and, to Malais' great disappointment, tended to stretch out the proceedings. "We would set a date for a settlement hearing and the city wouldn't show up. So we'd have to reschedule. Or they would wait until the last day that they could appeal the decision and then file," Malais says. "I'm just trying to get my job back, and all I could do was watch all this time go by. The trial was put off by almost a year."
Wins Case, but Not Given Job Back
When his case finally went to trial, the judge ruled in his favor, citing the American Disability Act (ADA) and giving the city the maximum penalty allowed in a workers' compensation case. The judge decreed Malais's reinstatement and ordered the city to "back-pay" Malais for missed overtime work. However, his fire chief still didn't allow his full return and, according to Malais, made such discriminatory comments in legal depositions as, "There will never be an amputee firefighter in LA," and "You can't grow a leg back." The chief's position has been that based on his experience, amputees can't do the job. The chief also cites the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) rules and standards, claiming that NFPA medical standards state firefighters must have all their body parts. "The city is trying to hang its hat on that, but they can't," says Malais. "The NFPA is not a governing body. It doesn't say anything about what should happen in cases when you're injured on the job. It doesn't mention ability. This agency just makes suggestions and fire departments aren't necessarily in 100-percent compliance with them."
The city filed an appeal.
That case was recently decided, and the court once again sided with Malais. Though the head city attorney says he will not appeal this decision again, the fire chief hasn't given up the fight. Even as the city pays the penalty for disability discrimination charges, the chief writes letters to the fire commission and city council to keep Malais out of a job. "Even though I won, I don't gloat when I see him," Malais says. "Most people probably would have just retired. But, it's too big a part of my life for me to do that. I plan to be a truck fireman for the next ten years."
Keeping Up the Legacy
Malais comes from a family of LA firefighters, including his father, brother, and cousin. His 20-year-old son wants to continue the legacy. As Malais recovers from a handball injury to his biceps muscle, he anticipates his return to full duty. "It hasn't been easy," Malais says. "There were times when I thought, this is too much.' But I'm hard-headed and won't give up."
Sherry Metzger, MS, is a freelance writer with degrees in anatomy and neurobiology. She is based in Westminster, Colorado, and may be reached atsherry@opedge.com
BK FireFighter back to work
AMPUTEE FIREFIGHTER BACK TO WORK
A Devon firefighter who had to have part of his right leg amputated following a serious accident has rejoined Devon Fire and Rescue Service on full operational duties.
Shaun Parker, of Bovey Tracey, has become the first amputee firefighter to return to full operational duties, four-and-a-half years after he last rode on a fire appliance.
Shaun, aged 37, had been a firefighter working the Retained Duty System (RDS) at Bovey Tracey for ten years when he suffered an industrial injury in 2001. The injury was so severe that he had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.
After working for the Service for a period of time in the community safety department, Shaun was retired on ill health in 2003. Shaun was at the time and still is a member of the Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) who supported Shaun in his determination in returning to full operational duty and, following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, he re-applied to join the Service.
He had to re-take the basic training course at the Service Training Centre in Plympton and has recently re-joined his former team-mates at Bovey Tracey on operational duty.
Shaun said: “I was determined to get back on the appliance. When something like this happens, you can’t stay at home and think about it, you have got to get on with life. I’ve got a family and two young kids and had to keep going.”
Shaun had to take the same assessments as the other trainee firefighters on the course, including wearing breathing apparatus, climbing up and down ladders and carrying a casualty on his back.
His artificial leg has been tested to withstand heat of between 60 and 300 degrees Celsius and can withstand a weight of 365kgs. It has been fitted with a locking device as an additional safety precaution.
“One of the trainers on the course said he could not tell the difference between what I could do and the other people on the course,” said Shaun.
“I am chuffed to bits to come back and the lads at Bovey gave me a great welcome on my first drill night back at the station. I am raring to go.”
Chief Fire Officer Paul Young said: “Shaun’s determination and commitment to return to operational duties is an example to us all. His remarkable recovery from a horrific accident is testament to his dedication and hard work.
“This is not about a disability but is about Shaun’s ability to work as a firefighter. As a Service, we encouraged Shaun through the training course whilst ensuring that he was fully capable of returning to duty for the safety of himself, the crew and the public.”
http://www.dsfire.gov.uk/devonfire
A Devon firefighter who had to have part of his right leg amputated following a serious accident has rejoined Devon Fire and Rescue Service on full operational duties.
Shaun Parker, of Bovey Tracey, has become the first amputee firefighter to return to full operational duties, four-and-a-half years after he last rode on a fire appliance.
Shaun, aged 37, had been a firefighter working the Retained Duty System (RDS) at Bovey Tracey for ten years when he suffered an industrial injury in 2001. The injury was so severe that he had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.
After working for the Service for a period of time in the community safety department, Shaun was retired on ill health in 2003. Shaun was at the time and still is a member of the Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) who supported Shaun in his determination in returning to full operational duty and, following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, he re-applied to join the Service.
He had to re-take the basic training course at the Service Training Centre in Plympton and has recently re-joined his former team-mates at Bovey Tracey on operational duty.
Shaun said: “I was determined to get back on the appliance. When something like this happens, you can’t stay at home and think about it, you have got to get on with life. I’ve got a family and two young kids and had to keep going.”
Shaun had to take the same assessments as the other trainee firefighters on the course, including wearing breathing apparatus, climbing up and down ladders and carrying a casualty on his back.
His artificial leg has been tested to withstand heat of between 60 and 300 degrees Celsius and can withstand a weight of 365kgs. It has been fitted with a locking device as an additional safety precaution.
“One of the trainers on the course said he could not tell the difference between what I could do and the other people on the course,” said Shaun.
“I am chuffed to bits to come back and the lads at Bovey gave me a great welcome on my first drill night back at the station. I am raring to go.”
Chief Fire Officer Paul Young said: “Shaun’s determination and commitment to return to operational duties is an example to us all. His remarkable recovery from a horrific accident is testament to his dedication and hard work.
“This is not about a disability but is about Shaun’s ability to work as a firefighter. As a Service, we encouraged Shaun through the training course whilst ensuring that he was fully capable of returning to duty for the safety of himself, the crew and the public.”
http://www.dsfire.gov.uk/devonfire
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