The first time Firefighter Thomas Gonzalez laid eyes on the little boy three years ago was almost the last.
The FDNY veteran instead shared a handshake Wednesday with 11-year-old Jayden Hardowar at the department’s 27th annual Second Chance ceremony matching first responders with the fortunate folks whose lives they saved.
“We all worked together and we’re glad Jayden is here,” said Gonzalez, assigned to Engine Co. 294 in Queens. “It’s a rare thing that we ever see people again.”
The first responders were joined in Brooklyn by Jayden and nine other folks saved across the years, with plenty of hugs at the emotional Fire Department event attended by about 100 people in Red Hook.
Little Jayden, who offered a “thank you” to his rescuers, said he only remembered sleeping on the day when he went into cardiac arrest.