NY Department Surprises Family with Soldier/Firefighter's Homecoming

New video has surfaced of a New York fire department helping a soldier/firefighter surprise his family on his return from a 10-month deployment in Qatar.

Firefighter Andrew Gonzalez of Lynbrook Fire Department Rescue Hook Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 is also a U.S. Army specialist. 

When he returned home, the department first surprised him with a welcome home ladder arch displaying a huge American flag.

Members of several departments, as well as Lynbrook Mayor Alan C. Beach, were on hand.

But, the surprises didn't end there.

Truck Company Capt. Brian Brown told Gonzalez's father that they had an award to present to Andrew, and he asked if the family would accept it in Andrew's absence.

Once they agreed, two Lynbrook fire trucks drove to the family residence on Walnut St.

With Andrew in full turnout gear aboard one of the trucks, everyone posed for photos in front of the trucks.

Andrew then snuck in behind his family.

"Oh, my God!" his mother screamed upon seeing him. 

The Gonzalez family embraced as the firefighters applauded.