Brad Cox thanks firefighters, community

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Dauphin Island Fire Chief Brad Cox spoke to FOX10 News Tuesday for the first time since he was seriously injured in a massive blaze in October.

"Never thought I'd be that person in need," said Cox. "Words cannot adequately describe the appreciate I feel for the kindness shown to myself and my family by our community. In addition to the kind donation which will help to ease our burdens."

Fundraisers held by the Mobile Fire-Rescue raised $115,000 for Cox and his family.

"Made it to where I have time to get healthy so I can get back on the streets," said Cox.

Cox suffered burns on 17 percent of his body and was sedated for three weeks after the fire.

"I was five feet into the door, when there was a flash over and the pressure blast happened," said Cox. "When I was trapped inside the fire I was unconscious and I had ran out of air. A Dauphin Island firefighter got me out, and a police officer. Even my wife helped pull me down the stairs. They saved my life, pulled me free."

Cox is still recovering from his injuries. He was released from the hospital Friday, but is still very weak and has a long recovery ahead of him.

"I've been beating their goals," said Cox.

He estimated he would be back to work in four months.

Cox thanked the community for helping him and thanked his fellow firefighters.

"We're a family. The night I was injured, a firefighter sat with my son to make sure he was okay," added Cox.

Cox is also a fire medic with Mobile Fire-Rescue, but because he was injured off duty, he isn't able to take advantage of his benefits.

That's when his band of brothers rallied around him.

"We were expecting to raise $20 to 30,000. We raised $115,000. People are still calling asking how they can help," said Fire Chief Stephen Dean.

Cox said he will use his experience to help other fire fighters, who face life and death situations more than most.

"Biggest thing: never put yourself alone in a fire. I was fortunate that I had a radio with me and Mobile Fire Department training allowed me to survive as long as I did," said Cox.

Ten fire departments across our area contributed to the Fund Raising efforts for Brad Cox:

• Mobile Fire-Rescue
• Alabama Port Volunteer Fire Department
• Dauphin Island Volunteer Fire Department
• Saraland Fire Rescue
• Semmes Volunteer Fire Deparment
• Seven Hills Volunteer Fire Department
• St. Elmo/Irvington Volunteer Fire Department
• Tanner Williams Volunteer Fire Department
• Theodore-Tillman’s Corner Volunteer Fire Department
• Wilmer Volunteer Fire Department.