DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were parked outside Parkland Hospital all day on Wednesday, Sept 1, to show support for a veteran firefighter who is battling COVID-19, currently on a ventilator in the ICU.
Driver engineer David Leos’ family and friends say his condition is critical.
They’ve said their goodbyes.
Leos comes from a family of firefighters, so for him the decision to become one was easy.
“David just celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Dallas Fire Department which is amazing,” Cristian Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa has worked by his side for almost 20 of those years.
“I really got to know David well when he was battling leukemia and David overcame leukemia,” he said. “He showed us that he could fight you know and I think it just speaks to the seriousness of this illness.”
Two months ago, Leos contracted COVID-19. It’s something so many firefighters have come in contact with.
“We’ve had 650 firefighters out 2,000 test positive for COVID in the last 18 months,” Hinojosa said.
Leos was not vaccinated against COVID-19, but recently said on social media he encouraged everyone who was able to get the vaccine to do so.
“It’s tough to see the ones who are the caretakers be so vulnerable,” Hinojosa said.
Leos’ Fire Station 41, as well as firefighters from other stations came together for a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night.
Leos’ immediate family was in attendance, but they did not want to speak publicly. His sister in law sharing a few words.
“It’s going to be a big loss for us,” Jeane Leos said. “It’s hard to describe.”
She said they find peace knowing he has a strong faith.
“I think that we wouldn’t be able to be where we’re at right now without knowing that,” Jeane said. “We get that also from his wife so it’s very very comforting.”
from CBS Dallas / Fort Worth https://ift.tt/3DInuBG
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