Volusia County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Bill Henry announced his retirement late last week, ending a career that sent waves across the entire country for disabled first responders. Henry was the first amputee firefighter in the entire United States according to a release from the Volusia County government, having served for a quarter-century before finally hanging up his gear.
Henry first joined VCFR in 1993 as a volunteer. By 1999 his service earned him a job as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. In 2000, however, Henry's life was forever changed when he was in a motorcycle accident that led to his left leg being amputated below the knee. He was treated by his own fellow firefighters after a wreck that would've then been considered an automatic career-ender. Henry didn't see it that way.
“I knew I could come back and do my job, and no one has doubted me,” Henry said. “The support I received from Volusia County and Fire Rescue is second to none. I’m blessed to have this family.”
Henry made history when he returned to his job, becoming the first firefighter with an amputated limb in the United States. He not only continued his career but excelled from there, earning a promotion to lieutenant in 2004. Henry served on the Firewalkers, Technical Rescue, and HazMat teams over the course of his tenure, and was a battalion commander for two of his 25 years.
“It’s great to see him overcome adversity,” said Volusia Fire Chief Joe King. “He’s always worked hard and has mentored many new firefighters.” It was said in the county government's report on Henry's retirement that he would often outpace his peers in tasks such as ladder-climbs, carrying heavy gear, fire crawls, and vehicle extrications. He received one lone accommodation for his disability: a specialized boot made to fit comfortably on his prosthetic leg.
Perhaps the most profound impact in Henry's legacy was that he didn't keep his story to himself. Fellow amputated firefighters, one from the United Kingdom and one from Illinois, reportedly met with Henry to learn about how he overcame adversity to lead a long and successful career as a first responder.
