Lt. Rankins Forwards $50,000 To Future Firefighters

New Haven Fire Lt. Samod ​“Nuke” Rankins, recovering from a near-death experience fighting a fire, is paying it forward — to the tune of $50,000.

Rankins is back home after two hospitalizations, recovering from injuries he suffered while fighting a a Valley Street fire on May 12. His firefighting colleague Ricardo Torres Jr. was killed in that same blaze.

As friends and family buttressed him with prayers from afar, Rankins emerged from the coma. He got better day by day. He was able to return home from a second hospitalization two weeks ago.

Rankins received $50,000 in contributions through a fund set up to help him through his recovery.

On Tuesday he announced that he will donate that money to provide scholarships for New Haveners pursuing firefighter careers to obtain their EMT certifications.

Rankins plans to administer the gifts, which he is calling ​“Ricardo Torres Jr. Scholarships.” He plans to make the applications available and provide details on Aug. 1.

He said applicants must be city residents 18 years of age or older with either a high school diploma or GED. They’ll write one-page essays to apply, then be interviewed.

“I am getting a bit better each day,” Rankins reported Tuesday.

“I would like to thank everyone for all their love, prayers, and support over the last few weeks. Words are not enough to express my true gratitude. Knowing I was surrounded by so much love, brought me a sense of peace and comfort during such a difficult time. You have helped carry the burden of this journey and your prayers made all difference in my healing. I have a long road ahead of me, but I know I’m not alone. Out of such a dark time came so much light and love. You brightened my darkest days and continue to help me fight each and every day. You have made a huge difference in my world and I pray a special blessing in return.”