JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local firefighter who was injured on the job is walking out of the rehab Saturday afternoon surrounded by vast support.
Anthony Gillian is a captain for the Marion County Fire Rescue and was injured four weeks ago in a training accident that left him unable to walk. After three weeks of rehabilitation at Brooks Rehab on University Boulevard, Gillian was able to walk again -- without help.
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To his surprise, as he prepared to leave the facility, Gillian was met by loud applause and plenty of love and support from fellow Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department crew members who were happy to see him making progress.
“Thank you so much. This has been an amazing experience,” Gillian said.
Gillian also had a message for any naysayers who say “brotherhood is dead.”
“Screw them. They are actually (obscenity) wrong. This shows it right here,” Gillian said before taking a bow and waving.
Gillian still has some steps to take before he makes a full recovery, but most importantly, he’s in good spirits.
Injured 4 weeks ago in a training accident…brought to @BrooksRehab 3 weeks ago unable to walk on his own…released today walking on his own…Anthony Gillian isn’t done yet, but was sent out in style today to his surprise…brotherhood is what we do! pic.twitter.com/TEUhxtnpjy
— THEJFRD (@THEJFRD) December 17, 2022