A Parsippany Department of Public Works worker who wasseriously injured on the job last monthhas been released from the hospital and is "beginning his long road of rehabilitation," according to his friends at the Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department.
Anthony Shandra, a veteran of the Mt. Tabor squad, was behind his sanitation truck on April 28, operating an early morning route in the Lake Hiawatha section, when another driver crashed into it from behind, pinning him between the two vehicles, authorities said. He was taken to Morristown Medical Center and admitted to the Intensive Care unit for treatment of serious injuries.
"After 10 long days and numerous surgeries, our friend and brother Anthony has finally been released from the hospital," Mt. Tabor posted on May 9. "We are beyond grateful that he is still with us and in the best of spirits."
The post included a photo and a video of Mt. Tabor department and DPW vehicles blaring their horns in support as Shandra was transported from the hospital in an Atlantic Health ambulance.
"We were proud to be there alongside his colleagues from the Parsippany DPW to give him the proper send-off he deserved," the post reads. "Anthony still has a long recovery ahead, and we continue to wish him strength every step of the way. We cannot wait to see him back at the firehouse soon."
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Community support
The community at large has also shown its support.More than $78,000to date has been pledged to an online fundraiser to help support his family and cover medical expenses. "Please continue to keep Anthony and his family in your thoughts and support them however you can," the Mt. Tabor department posted.
Parsippany Police said Shandra was placing trash into the rear of a stopped garbage truck on Vail Road when a Nissan Altima, driven by a 29-year-old male, crashed into the rear of the truck. "The victim was pinned between the vehicle and the garbage truck," they wrote.
"He was just doing his job," Mayor Pulkit Desai said.
The driver of the Nissan Altima remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department at 973-263-4300.
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record:Parsippany DPW worker faces 'long recovery' after hospital release