Firefighter triumphs over adversity, returns to service after a year
Franklin Floyd posted the following on his Facebook page:
Today marks 1 year since my accident. This has truly been the hardest year of my life. I haven’t posted about my accident before today, but thought it was appropriate to share a message and a picture. Yesterday I was released by my doctor from medical restrictions and last night, after 364 days, I was able to put on my gear and return to the fire department.
This year has not only been hard on me, but also my family. I will be forever grateful to so many people. First and foremost, I couldn’t image trying to go through an experience like this without my wife by my side. She was the one that held my hand in the hospital, encouraged me when I was discouraged, and coordinated my medical care and appointments while still making sure the kids didn’t miss any of their activities. She was a rock that remained strong in the face of enormous uncertainty. I am also thankful for my children, who have been flexible and understanding of the situation. They helped not only take care of me, but stepped up to make sure things were taken care of around the house without ever uttering a complaint. I am thankful for our families that helped stay with me, run errands, shuttle kids, or anything else we needed. I am also thankful for our friends who not only helped Rebeccah get to me the night of the accident, but continued to call, check-in, and support us. I am thankful for our church family who prayed constantly and made sure we knew we weren’t facing this hardship alone. I can’t begin to try to list everyone who reached out or supported us, but please know it was very much appreciated.
In the fire service we see people’s emergencies everyday, however it hits different when the incident you are responding to is one of your own. I am thankful for my fellow firefighters that started rendering aid immediately and continued supporting me and my family over the last year. I have to admit pulling up at the station last night did seem a little strange at first, but putting on my gear and seeing everyone was a good feeling.
I may never be the exact same person I was before my accident. I may never know exactly what caused my accident, or why I was chosen to go through this experience; but I do have peace that I am only a small part of a much bigger plan. I thank God that I am still here and able to write this post today, and for surrounding me with others as a reminder that I am not alone.
Previous Article from 2/28/23:
On Monday, February 27, 2023, Franklin Floyd, a longtime North Lenoir Fire & Rescue member and current Board Member, experienced a fall from a fire truck at NLFR Station 3 while completing apparatus inspections. He was transported to the Emergency Room at UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston, NC and then airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC where he was diagnosed with an eardrum rupture, skull fracture, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain bleed).
Franklin is currently in ICU at ECU Health Medical Center receiving treatment for his injuries. Many of you have reached out to ask how you can make financial contributions to the family as they deal with treatment and recovery, the burden of travel back and forth to the hospital, money for food, and other things while Franklin is out of work. All donations will go directly to the Floyd family to assist them during their time of need and your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Please continue to keep the Floyd family in your thoughts and prayers!
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