Emotional homecoming: High school marching band student hurt in fatal bus crash returns to Farmingdale
By: News 12 StaffOct 1, 2023, 2:57am Updated on: Oct 1, 2023
A Farmingdale High School marching band student who was badly injured in last week's fatal bus crash returned home Saturday.
In the midst of applause, hugs and tears, Audrina Crocitto tearfully accepted cards, flowers and balloons from junior firefighters as she was taken out of an ambulance on a stretcher while wearing a neck brace.
Crocitto is a member of the fire department's junior brigade.
"To be here meant a lot to me because we're a team. Team's got to be there for each other," said Michael Cox.
"It's a brother and a sisterhood and it's just good that she can be home with her family," said Farmingdale Fire Department Chief Michael Tortoso.
After more than a week in the hospital, Crocitto received a heartwarming welcome from members of the Farmingdale and South Farmingdale fire departments.
"It's good that she can have normalcy again and whatever else she, her and her family needs, we'll be there for her," Tortoso said.