Eyewitness News(New York - WABC, September 1, 2007) (WABC) -- The long holiday weekend will be especially gratifying for one New York City firefighter.
Nine days after suffering an injury at the former Deutsche Bank building, doctors Saturday released William Corbetis from St. Vincent's hospital.
Eyewitness News reporter Patricia Wu has the story.
A hero's welcome for William Corbetis: With his wife by his side, the 51-year-old firefighter left St. Vincent's Hospital Saturday morning.
"I'm feeling better, thank you," said William Corbetis. "I am on the road to recovery."
And that road could be a long one. The 18-year veteran of New York's bravest was one of two firefighters who were nearly killed during a construction accident at the Deutsche bank building last week.
Corbetis said the sight of his fellow firefighters cheering him on is the best medicine.
"It gives me strength to get better and sooner," said Corbetis. "That's what it does."
Frank Montaruli has no doubt Corbetis will get better. They have worked together at Engine 258 for 13 years.
"Billy is a big strong guy. I am 100 percent sure he can get back normal," said firefighter Frank Montaruli. "And his favorite sport is golf and hopefully he can get back to that."
Among the dozens of firefighters there Saturday, was a group from Ladder 5 - the house that lost two men at the Deutsche Bank buildng fire on August 18th. Seeing Corbetis leave the hospital gave them comfort.
"It's a very close knit group. We all understand what everyone's gone through and what could happen to us," said FDNY Battalion Chief Jack Collins. "So, it is tremendous empathy that way."
Corbetis managed to walk to his waiting car as his colleagues clapped for him. They say they're ready to do a whole lot more.
"We are all a brotherhood and we have to stick by each other's side and make sure he pulls through this," said a firefighter. "And if he needs anything, we are there for him."
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