NYC Firefighter Wins 'Survivor'

(CBS/AP)  Maybe the outcome of this edition of "Survivor" was predictable.

Survival and teamwork are after all both a life and death matter and everyday stuff for New York City firefighter Tom Westman, who has just won "Survivor: Palau."

Westman learned he'd won a million dollars in the live finale of CBS' "Survivor: Palau" Sunday night.

Westman, 41, is a second-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of his dad, and is himself a lieutenant with Ladder Company 108 in Brooklyn. Many of Westman's fellow firefighters were in the audience cheering him on as the "Survivor" votes were counted.

Westman, who will collect his winnings in a live appearance Monday on the <>CBS Early Show, says he won by simply being himself.

Too soon to say what Westman - who lives on Long Island, N.Y., with his wife and three children - will be doing with the potentially life-changing sum of money.

In addition to being an athlete who enjoys sailing, skiing, golfing and scuba diving, Westman works with disabled veterans to teach them adaptive skiing. He's also working on a Bachelor of Arts degree at Queens College. Like many firefighters, Weston also enjoys cooking but says he most enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Westman's competition in the final vote count was radio ad saleswoman Katie Gallagher from Merced, California. She gets $100,000 as the runner-up.