Anchorage firefighter awakens from unconsciousness as supporters organize fundraiser

The father of an Anchorage firefighter who suffered a traumatic brain injury during on-the-job training in June said Wednesday his son is recovering thanks to specialty care in Colorado.

"The biggest challenge for us is having patience. Every brain injury is different and there's no crystal ball the doctors have to tell us exactly what will happen when, how much a person will progress or how long it will take," said Jeff Schultz, the father of Ben Schultz.

Ben Schultz worked as a firefighter and paramedic at Anchorage Fire Station 5. He has worked at the Anchorage Fire Department for six years. The 28-year-old fell off a ladder during routine training at the station on June 5.

Assistant Chief Alex Boyd said the fire department is continuing its investigation into what happened. Boyd estimated a report on the incident would be issued internally and to the family by mid-August.

The fire department's Deputy Chief of Operations Jodie Hettrick said in June that fellow firefighters immediately came to Schultz's aid when he was injured and took him to Providence Alaska Medical Center.

[The father of an injured Anchorage firefighter says his son fell from a ladder during training]

When Ben Schultz arrived at the hospital, he was in critical condition with a head injury, dislocated ankles and internal injuries, according to the family's account of the fall posted online at Caring Bridge.

He spent four weeks in the intensive care unit at Providence before being flown to Craig Hospital in Denver, a rehabilitation facility, according to the family.

Jeff Schultz credited the work of doctors, nurses and others here with saving his son's life.

"And we are equally blessed to be here at Craig Hospital, one of the best (traumatic brain injury) rehab hospitals there is," he said.

Before last week, nearly two months since his fall, the doctors considered Ben Schultz unconscious or semi-conscious, Jeff Schultz said. Ben's days have consisted of performance and speech therapy sessions, according to the family.

Now, Ben Schultz is conscious, "just not fully awake. But he's waking up," his father said.

Ben Schultz has talked and answered some questions. He's eating a regular diet. He's moving his legs and one of his arms. All are huge improvements from where he was, Jeff Schultz said.

Moving forward, Ben Schultz "is getting a treatment that is tailored very specifically for him," Jeff Schultz said. "They alter things on a daily basis for what they feel he needs. He is progressing."

Here in Anchorage, volunteers have been organizing a fundraising event for the firefighter and his family.

According to the Anchorage Firefighters Local 1264, the community response has been overwhelming. More than 300 items have been donated by individuals and businesses for a silent auction at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Elite Sports Performance, located at 801 E. 82nd Ave. Admission for the auction costs $10 for individuals and $25 for families.

Mom-and-pop shops to large corporations have offered support, said firefighter Jason Dolph, a chief at Station 5. Dolph said the gym, where some Anchorage firefighters exercise, approached him about the silent auction.

"On behalf of AFD, we're humbled and impressed by all the support from the community," Dolph said. "It's far too many people to list."

Ben Schultz's recovery is at the forefront of his colleagues' minds, Dolph said. He was one of 10 people responsible for a shift at Station 5, and every day the firefighters come in, it's glaringly apparent one person is missing, he said.

There is a different mood at the station; some people, Dolph said, will never be the same, but overall the mood is positive.

"Our approach is that let's help him move forward, stay positive and support the family. Let's get Ben back to where he needs to be, whether it's through emotional, physical or financial support. We're going to lift him up and carry him, just like when one of us goes down in a fire," Dolph said.