Adams Area Fire District chief out of hospital after crush injury
Adams Area Fire District’s chief was released from the hospital after spending 28 days there and an additional 14 days in inpatient rehabilitation for an injury sustained Aug. 19 at the training grounds.
Chief Talo Capuzzi said he sustained a crush injury to his lower left leg and broke his right foot after an “unfortunate incident” while cleaning the training grounds at the fire department’s station. He said he underwent a series of surgeries.
“While operating a piece of machinery, the firefighter sustained injuries after coming into contact with a concrete barrier,” fire district president Jason Safreed said at the time.
Safreed said Capuzzi was the only one at the training grounds when the incident occurred.
Capuzzi said he was caught under the concrete barrier for about 10 minutes before fire company personnel responded. He was transported to Allegheny General Hospital by Quality EMS. After four weeks of treatment, he was transferred to UPMC Passavant Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation.
“I’m very grateful for the treatment I received,” Capuzzi said. “I love the guys here (at the fire district).”
Capuzzi said he has not yet been given a window for when he can return to work.
“I’m hopeful that I will return to full duty,” he said.
Assistant chief Sean Sokolowski and deputy chief Dan Barr have led the fire district in his absence. Capuzzi said the way fire district members have adapted in his absence made it apparent they’re “a well-trained organization.”
“I’m appreciative of the members here. As a team, they’ve all stepped up,” he said.
