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Injured Fort Worth Firefighter Shares First Account as Family Details Lengthy Recovery

Caleb Halvorson remains hospitalized in Parkland’s burn unit as doctors project a 1–2 year recovery from extensive burns with major knee ligament tears.

Overview

  • Halvorson describes being pinned under a collapsing garage roof on Sept. 3, unable to reach his radio and fearing he would die before fellow firefighters rescued him in 1 minute and 45 seconds.
  • He has second- and third-degree burns and severe knee trauma, with his wife saying three of four ligaments were torn and permanent sensory loss is possible in some burned areas.
  • Doctors have performed three surgeries so far, he has screws in his injured leg, and he is taking assisted steps with a walker as caregivers set small daily goals.
  • His premature son, Hudson, born at 27 weeks, remains in a Fort Worth NICU and must learn to eat independently before discharge.
  • Relatives and colleagues are remodeling the family home for accessibility, a crowdfunding campaign is underway, and the family expresses gratitude for broad community support.