By Camille Furst
nj.com
Warren White, an Elizabeth firefighter injured in the container ship fire that killed two fellow firefighters at Port Newark, walked out of a hospital Friday evening to a warm welcome from well wishers.
The blaze aboard the the Italian cargo vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio, which began Wednesday night, killed Newark firefighters Augusto “Angie” Acabou, 45, and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr., 49.
Five other firefighters were injured in the effort to quell the blaze, including White.
On Friday evening, family, friends and fellow firefighters gathered at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston to greet White as he exited the hospital, breaking into applause when he appeared at the doors. White then hugged some of those gathered.
“From what I can remember, everyone was running around, was trying to just get it done ... Made a first step, next thing I knew I was on my way out in the ambulance,” White told CBS News in New York. “Not an easy job, but we do the best we can.”
On Saturday, he told NJ Advance Media, “I just want to be able to take it easy and rest until I can get back on the line.” He referred further questions to Elizabeth city officials.
White’s union, Elizabeth Firefighters FMBA Local 9, said in a social media post: “Thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses who continue to treat and care for all NJ Firefighters who need to be treated for job related burns and injuries. Also, many thanks to our brothers and sisters from neighboring departments who greeted Firefighter White as he heads home to continue to recover.”
“The Elizabeth Fire Department continues to mourn the loss of the 2 Newark Firefighters who were killed while bravely battling the Port of Newark early Thursday morning,” the union said. “Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters from Newark Fire Department and the families of the Firefighters Wayne Brooks and Auggie Acabou.”
The fire was still burning Saturday afternoon, however far less smoke was seen from the 692-foot vessel, which was carrying about 1,000 cars and other cargo.
Acabou and Brooks will be laid to rest next week after services at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
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