A Bridgeport firefighter returned home Thursday after surviving a hit-and-run crash in July.

A benefit luncheon that was originally supposed to be held in two weeks transformed into a celebration for Enrique McCalla.

"It worked perfect," said McCalla's girlfriend, Maria Chang. "Now it's a welcome home party for him."

McCalla, a 12-year veteran of the Bridgeport Fire Department, suffered nine broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

The luncheon is raising money to help support McCalla and his family while he's out of work and continuing to recover.

"I'm going to be out for a while," McCalla said. "So right now I can just focus on rehabbing and not worrying about money and bills."

John Stinisci, a New York Times best-selling artist for DC and Marvel comics, also showed up to the event.

Investigators are still searching for the hit-and-run driver. They are trying to find a clear picture of the license plate.