Newark's Mayor and Fire Officials announced that Newark Firefighter Paul Leber's release from recovery at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange today.
According to officials, Firefighter Leber was injured during a December 30th fire at 8 Park Avenue.
Officials said, at around 9:12 p.m., members of the Newark Fire Divisions responded to a two-alarm fire at Velez Tire Shop in which Leber, a 10-year veteran, became disoriented inside the building.
Firefighter Leber was in the tire shop with other members of Engine 7, including a probationary firefighter. As conditions worsened, they were ordered out of the building officials said.
As they were exiting, Leber became disoriented and members of Engine 7 and Rescue 1 went back into the building with other firefighters and rescued him.
EMs initially transported Leber to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for treatment.
He continued his recovery at Kessler Rehabilitation in West Orange over the past three weeks.
Mayor Baraka commends Firefighter Leber his bravery in both fighting the dangerous fire. “The City of Newark is honored to have a firefighter so committed to the safety of our communities that he put his own life on the line for it,” Mayor Baraka said. “Firefighter Leber’s recovery is something the whole city prayed for and we celebrate this achievement in his recovery along with him, his family and his colleagues.”
“We are thankful that Firefighter Leber has reached this significant milestone in his recovery,” Director Ambrose said. “While he still faces a long road ahead, we are grateful to the medical professionals at Kessler Rehabilitation Institute for the care they provided to him. I would also like to extend a sincere thanks to the Firefighters, members of the community and others who prayed and have supported Leber as he continues to recover. Over the past month, I’ve come to consider Paulie a friend,” Director Ambrose said. “I’ve spoken to him almost every day since he was injured and I’m proud of him and for what he stands for.”
Firefighter Leber received a Newark Police Division and Newark Fire Division escort from the facility to his home. He rode in Engine 7 as part of the convoy from Kessler Rehabilitation. Engine 7 is the truck he was assigned to when he was injured.