Maya McFadden Photo
New Haven is upping its prayers again for Firefighter Lt. Samod “Nuke” Rankins.
Rankins has returned to the hospital after surviving a fire that killed a colleague.
Rankins was put in a coma in the Bridgeport Hospital burn unit as a result of near-fatal injuries he suffered while fighting 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 two weeks ago.
He has since been admitted to Yale New Haven Hospital because of lung complications, according to a close friend, retired Fire Lt. Gary Tinney.
“He’s definitely alert and oriented. He’s currently going through some testing, and more details will be available tomorrow,” Tinney reported. “He reiterated his appreciation for everyone’s continued support and prayers. Nuke is a trrooper to say the least. He’s a very strong willed young man.”
Tinney added that due to Covid-19 restrictions, hospital visitors are not allowed.
Mayor Justin Elicker issued a statement wishing Rankins a speedy recovery. “Our entire community is indebted for his service and pulling for him,” the mayor stated.
