Jefferson Parish firefighter Dan Ziegler is back home after being severely wounded while battling a fire in February.
According to Jefferson Parish Fire Chief Dave Tibbets, Ziegler returned home for the first time on Friday. He still has multiple rehabilitation sessions every week, but currently has no more surgeries planned.
"He's a strong guy," Tibbets said. "Even the doctors are impressed with his recovery."
On Feb. 2, the Jefferson Parish firefighter affectionately known as Ziggy was responding to a fire at an apartment complex in Metairie when the roof gave way underneath him and he fell into the burning building. Ziegler fell several feet into the flames. He was rescued within minutes and taken to University Medical Center.
Since then, he's gone from being on a ventilator and paralyzing sedatives to being able to breath on his own, communicate and walk.
Blood drives and fundraisers are being held to help with Ziegler's recovery. The next blood drive will be held at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville on March 24.