A Paterson firefighter received a hero's welcome after returning home after nearly a year in the hospital following a motorcycle crash.

Jonathan Roman is not only a firefighter, but he is also a military veteran.

“I missed my family. I missed my wife and daughters,” Roman says. “Had a great rehab, happy to be home now.”

Fire departments from various cities joined Roman’s family to welcome him home.

“Thank you to all the fire departments who came out to show me life…makes me feel loved,” Roman says.

Roman was involved in a motorcycle crash on his way to work in September. He almost lost his life but never stopped fighting while at the hospital. Roman’s wife Paola Roman says that it has felt like an eternity since her husband was home.

“I am happy he is here to see his babies grow,” Paola says.

Roman, 37, is the father of two girls – a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old.

“It has been very hard without him. We are glad to have him home,” Paola says.

Roman’s fellow firefighters say that he is a leader and a role model who has impacted many others.

“People that never met him before,” says Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott.

Roman lives in Passaic with his family. He still must undergo more surgeries as his recovery continues.

The family says that one of the biggest challenges is that they need a ramp for his wheelchair which costs about $11,000. They also need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.