Months After Injury, Morris Co. Firefighter, EMT Welcomed Home With Open Arms

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — After months of long-term recuperation and rehabilitation, an injured Morris County firefighter has finally returned home.

Jim Danus is a volunteer member of the Whippany Fire Department, an active volunteer member of the Florham Park First Aid Squad, and a former member of the Morris Township Fire Department.

In May, Danus was seriously injured in a training accident, forcing him to undergo extensive surgeries and intense rehabilitation. Every step of the way, however, he was supported by his firefighter family.

On Tuesday, Danus was finally able to go home, where he was greeted by loads of his firefighting brothers and sisters, not just from his department, but departments from all over the county.

A “Welcome Home Jim” banner was hung on the firefighter’s newly installed ramp to his home as well.

“It was a cold, rainy, and snowy morning today, but our hearts were absolutely warmed to see so many different fire departments and organizations out to welcome Firefighter Jim Danus back home,” a Whippany Fire Department post read. “Thank you to everyone who lined the street with their trucks, stood at attention as the ambulance arrived, and came forward to support Jim as he was wheeled out and back into his house. The sight of all those lights flashing and the support pouring out is a testament to the unbreakable bond of our brotherhood.”

While his recovery journey still "has a long way to go," Danus can be assured he won't be alone in it.

This week wasn’t the first time the streets were lined up with Danus supporters.

In August, Danus was transported to the Morristown Medical Center to begin his rehabilitation process, and on his way, dozens of firefighters and EMTs saluted him along Madison Avenue.

Joining the August procession were emergency response personnel from East Hanover, Hanover Township, Morristown, Morris Plains, Madison, Florham Park, and Mount Tabor.

Additionally, The Hanover Township Firefighters' Foundation FMBA Local 109 organized a GoFundMe for the downed firefighter’s family to assist with unforeseen expenses following the tragedy. It has raised nearly $25,000 so far.

Read More: Community Rallies For Critically Injured Firefighter, EMT, Stands In Solidarity