Middlesex firefighter back on the frontline after a month-long battle with COVID-19

MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A firefighter in Middlesex Township is back on the job after battling COVID-19.

In late February, doctors put Greg Vickinovac on a ventilator for about two weeks at UPMC Passavant because he was having trouble breathing.

He explained that his family and community helped him pull through. Since returning home in March, he’s been going to physical therapy and doctor’s appointments. Last week, his doctors cleared him to go back to doing what he loves.

“He said, ‘You’re 100% recovered. You have no restrictions. Go live your life,’” Vickinovac said. “I just felt relieved I can get back to my normal life.”

Vickinovac is a longtime first responder who’s been serving his community for more than 20 years.

Channel 11 asked him what it means to be a volunteer firefighter.

“Just to be able to go out there and help all my neighbors in time of need,” Vickinovac answered.

He also said that he hopes his story inspires others fighting COVID-19 to never give up.

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