“Eight in the Bible means new beginning,” Gaston said. “I know in my heart God has something in store for me.”
Gaston tore his quadriceps muscle in both legs after tripping over an uncharged 4-inch fire hose and stumbling down a hill during the Aug. 8 structure fire. Doctors said he severed the muscle in his left leg and tore 75 percent in his right.
Colleagues and city officials gathered this week to hold a farewell reception for Gaston, whose six months of disability pay ended this month. Gaston warned his fellow firefighters to “use (his) situation to enlighten yourselves,” knowing that regardless of the circumstances they have no choice but to retire after one year away from full-time service.
“I’m telling you guys, take the time to protect yourselves,” he said. “Look at different things in our contract when it comes up for renewal with the city, because if you can’t come back to work after one year it’s time to go.”
Chief Steve Botts called Gaston’s situation “heartbreaking,” but said it serves to remind every member of the fire department exactly “how dangerous this job is.”
“Despite physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength, one of us was cut down and cannot continue his fire service career,” Botts said. “We know as this career ends, his skills will take him on to bright opportunities going forward.”
Outside of the firehouse, Gaston has been active as a motivational speaker with the American Youth Football program in Florida and through helping out as a strength coach for the Middletown High School boys basketball team. Gaston also serves as director of the End Zone Club Youth Program and in various roles with the Middletown Community Foundation, TV Middletown and MiddFest International Communications Committee.
Karen Bell, Gaston’s girlfriend, said she was amazed at the amount of support he received from his fellow firefighters.
“He’s usually on the giving end, so receiving help was kind of humbling for him at first,” Bell said.
“They refer to the fire department as a brotherhood, and I quickly realized the term brother was really applicable,” she said.
Gaston said he plans to continue rehabilitating his injured legs in retirement, putting in plenty of time at the Powerstation Gym in Middletown.
“Each and every week I have gotten a little bit better,” he said. “I’ve been seeing more guys from the department working out in the gym with me lately, and it is just so empowering to me to be under the same roof with those guys.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.
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