PGFD’s Danny McGown leaves the hospital. Says he is happy to be going home. Thanks all those who sent messages and visited.

Click here and then scroll down for the latest fire and EMS news from STATter911.com

Photo by PGFD’s Mark Brady.

Watch 9NEWS NOW 5:00 PM story (or here)

Still dealing with a lung infection, his voice very weak, Danny McGown walked up to the microphones in front of the Washington Hospital Center on his own during the noon hour today. Meeting with reporters, the firefighter/paramedic’s main message was one of thanks. He thanked those who found him, the medics who treated him, the staff at the MedStar Burn Unit and those who have visited the hospital and sent him messages.

Danny McGown was found unconscious early last Wednesday morning inside a burning home in Largo. His face piece had been knocked off. McGown was brought into the burn unit in critical condition with facial and respiratory burns.

The fire is considered suspicious, but no arrests have been made.

Bill McGown says his son “beat all the odds” and is going home much sooner than expected. Bill McGown is a retired deputy chief of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and is now deputy director at the county’s 911 center. He says the entire system worked as it was supposed to, from the firefighters finding his son, to the medics, to the burn unit staff.

PGFD Chief Spokesman Mark Brady says doctors believe the lung infection can be better treated at home and away from the hospital environment.

With all he is gone through Danny McGown says he is a happy man to be going home.

In addition to scores of firefighters visiting the burn unit, McGown was able to see digital messages from well wishers, including email and a special Facebook page.

The Facebook page, set up by Jim Key, is titled “Be Strong Firefighter McGown”. It already has more than 7,300 members.