(06/29/07) PATERSON ? An amputee is realizing his lifelong dream Friday as he joins the ranks of the Paterson Fire Department.

Isaac Feliciano, who is missing his left leg, battled to become a firefighter after a Paterson medical consultant deemed him not ?physically capable? in 2006. That decision was made after Feliciano passed the firefighter?s exam, finishing 103rd out of 600 hopefuls. A state panel gave Feliciano his shot when it ruled in March he be allowed to enter training.

Feliciano said he?s wanted to be a firefighter since the age of 3. Gangrene from spinal meningitis claimed his leg when he was 6.

Associated Press wire reports contributed to this story.

Related information: Paterson amputee appeals for shot at dream firefighting job Paterson amputee gets shot at firefighting dream job