Before heading into another medical procedure, Donavin Apiag spoke with Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Lancton shared with KUAM News what they discussed.

"The biggest thing he wanted to get across to everyone not just here but on Guam and everywhere else is that he is overwhelmed, and he is humbled by the outpouring of love and support," he said. "It's a very difficult road. He's had second and third-degree burns, and it's not just the physical pain he's had to endure."

On Feb. 4 Apiag was responding to an apartment complex fire. He along with other crew members were on the top of the two-story building when Apiag fell through the roof landing on the attic floor. A couple of firefighters managed to pull him out to safety.

"What I heard in his voice is grit and bravery," Lancton said. "Just like he showed on that day. He's in pain. He's hurting. Being burned is not something we wish upon anyone. It requires a lot of medical care and it is very painful. And that is what is keeping him going."

Apiag has been with the Houston Fire Department for about two years. The former Guam resident comes from a family of firefighters as well.

"One of the things we do in the fire service is we talk about the brotherhood and if something happens, we take care of our own and that means that we all come together," Lancton said. "Trying to explain the brotherhood when you haven't lived through it, is not only the easiest but one of things that Don mentioned is that he is grateful and humbled by the brotherhood that is the Houston Firefighters and our union."

Immediately after the incident, crewmembers stepped up starting a gofundme page and the union doing whatever needs to be done so that Apiag, his wife and their son can focus on getting better. A separate 501c3 was set up through the charitable foundation- the Houston Professional Firefighters Association- that website- houstonsbravest.org. On the page you will see a photo of Apiag. All donations will go directly to his recovery.

"Our goal is that he doesn't have to worry about one thing when it comes to finances. He is the provider for the family and he's got a 1-year-old. And these situations are not easy, it's a long road to recovery. He's had multiple surgeries and he's going to need multiple more. He's got months if not a year ahead of him. He said he wished he could give everyone a written thank you card. And i told him- don, we're all here for you, and we're gonna be here for the long and haul and that's what we're about"