Butler Co. firefighter shares warning after intense battle with COVID-19

BUTLER CO., Pa. — After a month-long battle with COVID-19, a firefighter in Middlesex Township is sharing his story for the first time.

Channel 11 was there Monday when Greg Vickinovac got home from the hospital with his family, and it was an emotional return for everyone involved.

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“You know, I almost didn’t make it,” Vickinovac said. “So, live your life ‘cause you never know.”

He was on a ventilator at UPMC Passavant in McCandless for nearly two weeks because he was having trouble breathing on his own.

Vickinovac was worried he wasn’t going to survive the virus.

“I could just tell you it’s not a joke. Take it seriously,” he said.

The community that Vickinovac has been serving for more than 20 years stepped up in support, as well as his family.

He told Channel 11 that he still feels weak but hopes to get stronger soon and back to doing what he loves. Vickinovac said he is also making positive changes in his life, such as spending more time with his kids and wife.

A spaghetti dinner is being held at the Middlesex Fire Hall from 3-7 p.m. on April 11 to help raise money and support for Vickinovac’s family -- featuring a basket auction.

The dinner will be socially distanced.

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