Ventura Homecoming Marks Big Step for Burned Firefighter

Glendale Firefighter Scott French called his homecoming in Ventura on Sunday the second step in his recovery from the burns he suffered during the Calabasas-Malibu fire last month.

The first step was being released from the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital on Sunday, 12 days after he was admitted. Before leaving, he said goodbye to fellow Glendale Firefighter William Jensen, 52, who remains hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns over 70% of his body. French then climbed into the passenger side of his green minivan and, with his 37-year-old wife, Mary, at the wheel, headed home.

Awaiting his return on Wesleyan Avenue were family, friends and colleagues from the Ventura city and county fire departments. A large yellow banner strung between two firetrucks hung above the street: “Welcome Home, Scott,” it proclaimed in red letters.

At 1:40 p.m., the van passed beneath the banner. About 50 people began to cheer, and French knew the final step in his recovery--getting back on the fire line--was in sight.

“The sooner I get back the better,” he said. “The longer I wait, the more psychologically reluctant I become.”

French wore a white terry-cloth towel draped over his head to keep the sun off his face, which showed the signs of skin-graft surgery. He was injured Oct. 22 when he and his colleagues were overtaken by flames as they tried to protect homes in Corral Canyon.

“This was the worst fire I’ve been in in 16 years” with the Glendale Fire Department, he said. “It didn’t last longer than a few seconds. but in my eyes it was an eternity. We had everything planned out, but it still went in the bucket.”

French said he can’t wait to get back to work, which might happen by the first of the year.

But first he’ll enjoy life at home with his family. “It was really difficult being away,” he said, “especially from my family, because when I ran from that wall [of fire], they were the last ones I thought about.”

Mary French kept a vigil by her husband’s side during his hospitalization. Her mother, Pat Leine, 65, stayed home with the couple’s three children--14-year-old Jason, Renee, 10, and Rhiana, 4.

Rhiana had the most difficult time with her father’s injuries, Mary French said. “She didn’t want to see him at first, when his face was all wrapped up in bandages. But after the bandages came off, she went right up to him.”

French’s schedule keeps him away from home three days at a time, and Jason said he understands there is always risk every time his father goes out on a call. Still, when he heard about what happened to his father in Malibu, Jason got scared.

“Just him not being here was the worst part,” he said. “Without him there was just a piece missing.”

Despite his father’s injuries, Jason said he still entertains thoughts of becoming a firefighter.

After the crowds went home Sunday, French joined friends for a cold drink on his front porch. The homecoming proved overwhelming, surpassed only by the cards and letters sent by strangers while he lay in the hospital.

French made a point of visiting Jensen once more before leaving Sunday, and while his colleague is not able to speak or move his hands because of his injuries, he did manage to move his legs slightly--the only way he could say goodbye. “That said more than a thousand words,” French said.

French, his wife and mother-in-law wore “Billy buttons,” which featured a photograph of a smiling Jensen taken before the October fire. “I won’t take this [button] off until he comes home,” Mary French said.

Hospital administrators said Los Angeles Firefighter Ross Torstenbo, 42, who was in good condition and was tentatively scheduled to be sent home Sunday, will remain hospitalized for a few more days.

While he appreciates the attention in the wake of his life-threatening ordeal, Scott French cites the lack of media coverage of firefighters when there isn’t a blaze.

“It’s a shame we firefighters have to have something like this happen to us before we get as much media play as Clinton, O. J. or Madonna,” French said. “But that’s the way it goes.”

French was just happy to be home and basking in the welcome from family and neighbors, including Trudy Real.

“We’re so happy to have Scott back with us,” she said.