‘I’m going to keep fighting’: Man meets, thanks Milwaukee first responders who saved life

After losing both his legs in a tragic accident in February, Dan Franecki visited the Milwaukee fire station to meet and thank the first responders who saved his life.

On Feb. 20, Franecki, a 35-year-old utility worker, was standing by his van near Sixth Street and State Street when he was struck by an impaired driver. The accident was “horrific,” said Fire Battalion Chief Erich Roden, who responded to the scene.

About 25 firefighters, paramedics and EMTs worked together to stabilize Franecki before he went to the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries. Franecki credits them with saving his life.

“When I was finally conscious again after all the surgeries, I was just in absolute tears that I was even alive,” Franecki said.

“And the first thing I thought about was these guys.”

At the fire station, Franecki was joined by dozens of family members and friends, who held signs supporting him and applauded the first responders. Franecki was able to meet some of those responders, shake their hands and thank them.

The road to recovery has been emotionally gueling for Franecki and his family. But his mother, Colleen Franecki, said Dan’s attitude has kept her going.

“He was an avid kayaker, bike rider, hiker,” she said. “And for me, it was like, ‘Oh my God. This is so life changing.’ And some days he has to lift me up and say, ‘Mom, it’s OK. I’m going to make it all happen again.’”

Since his accident, she said, Dan has kayaked twice. Going forward, each step toward independence gives his family hope. This upcoming September, Dan said he expects he’ll be able to get prosthetic legs.

“There’s a real good chance that I’ll be walking within a year,” he said. “I can’t believe that.”

Meeting and thanking the first responders was an important step in the healing process for Dan and his family.

“I’m so glad to be able to give these people credit,” Colleen Franecki said. “And I’m so glad they can see his success story, rather than always tragedy. I’m just so grateful.”

As a first responder, Roden said stories like Franecki’s are a source of inspiration.

“For somebody’s mother to come up to us and thank us for saving her son, I mean it doesn’t get any more emotional or better than that,” Roden said. “It makes us proud to do what we do.”

As he moves forward with his recovery, Franecki is grateful for the first responders, medical workers, coworkers, friends and family members who have supported him in his fight.

“It’s just amazing how many people come together and lift your spirits and keep you fighting,” he said. “There’s still a long road ahead, but believe me, I’m going to keep fighting through it.”

Franecki’s friends set up a GoFundMe, raising money to make his home accessible and maximize his mobility.

RICK WOOD / MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Dan Franecki, a utility worker, greets Milwaukee firefighters who saved his life after he was hit from behind by an impaired driver, causing severe damage to his legs and eventually leading to a double amputation. He thanked them for their heroic efforts.