The article did not say he was fired. He's hospitalized and unable to perform his jobs as a maintenance worker and construction worker.......
He should go out on FMLA, which protects his job and benefits. Not sure if he is eligible for Family and Medical Leave Act. New York state may also have some additional job pritections.
Then you put him in the warehouse, or the tool crib, make him the safety officer, head floor sweeper, good men deserve to remained on the payroll.