FDC Foundation Helps NJ Firefighter Recovering from Strokes

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September 07, 2022 7 Comments

Firefighters are trained to race toward the most dangerous situations to help others.

Then sometimes, the most dangerous situations of their lives find them in the quietest moments.

Brian Schmitt, a firefighter with more than two decades of experience, was at his home in New Jersey on a Tuesday evening like any other — June 21, 2021 — when he suffered a stroke. He was rushed to a nearby medical center and then flown to another. He continued to suffer strokes well into the next morning.

Later, his brain began to swell, requiring a portion of his skull to be removed. He developed pneumonia and a blood clot. Things looked dark.

But Brian Schmitt is a fighter.

More than a year later, he’s still fighting. He’s making great progress. Against the odds, he’s got his sights set on returning to the fire service.

The Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation is absolutely honored to donate $3,000 to the New Jersey Firefighter Mutual Benevolent Association to help support Brian as he continues his courageous recovery.

New Jersey Firefighter, Brian Schmitt.

Serving the Community That Raised Him

Brian was born and raised in Union, New Jersey, married his high school sweetheart and together they have two sons.

Brian began as a volunteer firefighter in Springfield Township in 1999 before becoming a professional firefighter in 2004. In 2012, Brian and his captain each received valor awards after delivering a baby in a taxi.

“This is what we’re here to do,” Brian said at the time.

In 2014, Brian transferred to the Union Fire Department to serve the community where he was raised. For seven years, he served Union with pride, earning the respect of his peers along the way.

Now it’s that same community that is supporting him, lifting him up and encouraging him as he recovers from the serious strokes.

The Road to Recovery

Brian’s strokes occurred in the left side of his brain, which in turn impacted the right side of his body — his dominant side — and affected his speech. He spent three weeks in intensive care before being released to JFK University Medical Center’s Brain Trauma Unit, where he began a five-day-a-week regimen of intense physical, occupational and speech therapy.

He made slow but steady progress, and by August he returned home and continued his rehabilitation regiment.

In January, he underwent successful cranioplasty and a prosthetic piece was inserted to replace the missing portion of his skull.

Today, Brian continues to make great strides in his recovery. The road remains long and difficult, but he has the incredible support of his family, friends, fellow firefighters and the greater Union community.

Brian has set a goal to return to the fire service, and he is relentless in that pursuit. If anyone can do it, Brian can do it.

This donation from the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation is made in honor of his service, dedication and his extraordinary tenacity on the road to recovery.

7 Responses

James Poole

September 29, 2022

I am not a first responder, and never was. However, I appreciate everyone who is. I have been the recipient of their help over my lifetime. I also had a stroke in 2012. I hope Brian continues his recovery and achieves his goal of returning to the fire service. Many thanks, to all! Including Brian for his service, and Fire Dept Coffee for their donation!

Sandra Schmitt

September 13, 2022

We are thankful to FDC and all of the brothers and sisters for their ongoing support. A special thank you to those who posted comments and words of encouragement.

Brian and I met when we were 12 – even at a young age, I admired his determination, strength and his dedication. 34 years later – Brian’s strength and determination remains unwavering, and my family and I couldn’t be more proud.

We very much look forward to the day where we wish him “a good day, and safe return home” from his shift.

Thank you again, and Godspeed.
<3

Ronald Farthing

September 08, 2022

I would like to tell Brian to keep fighting for what he wants, he will get there! In the fall of 2003, I suffered a severe stroke of the subarachnoid process. I was senior fire instructor teaching a course to the Village Public Safety Officers Academy that year, here in Alaska. I had just returned from lunch with fellow instructors when it happened. Though it was severe and potentially life threatening, through the quick recognition and actions of my fellow instructors, I made it to a hospital within minutes. I have no memory of the next 2 1/2 weeks, but when I did wake up, my wife and fellow firefighters helped me through a very rough 3 months of recovery. I was able to return to duty at the end of 3 months and pass all of my medical testing, skills & knowledge testing as an FD Engineer, EMT-III, Rescue Tech-III, and Fire Instructor-III. Today I am retired after a 40 year career as a Firefighter Lieutenant. Nothing or no one says you have to give up a thing if you want it bad enough and work hard enough. GO FOR IT, BROTHER!

Bruce R King

September 08, 2022

Outstanding.

Ken

September 08, 2022

This is the kind of support he needs to recover. To know that his brothers and sisters are there for him is what he needs in this time. I know there are times when a firefighter will need support from his department and he or she are left to fend for themselves. This is what the brotherhood is all about, helping each other both on and off duty. Nice job guys!!!