A Marion County firefighter who sustained serious burns in a house fire has been released from the hospital following a nearly two-month stay in the intensive care unit.
On Tuesday, December 26, Marion County Fire Rescue announced on social media that Captain Chris Trubelhorn is out of the hospital and currently convalescing at home.
Trubelhorn sustained serious burns on November 1, shortly after he responded to the 18000 block of SE 20th Place in Silver Springs in reference to a residential structure that was on fire.
MCFR crews, including Trubelhorn, arrived on scene and observed heavy smoke rising from the home. Trubelhorn was badly burned while combating the blaze, and he was rushed to the University of Florida’s burn unit at Shands Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The residential structure fire was eventually extinguished by firefighters.
During his lengthy hospital stay, Trubelhorn faced multiple challenges and setbacks, as well as a series of surgeries to treat his injuries.
On December 26, Trubelhorn received a belated Christmas gift when he was finally able to leave the hospital and return home.
Trubelhorn is thankful for the unwavering support and love from his immediate family, as well as the support from his extended fire family that regularly visited him at the hospital.
“I would never have made it without the support of my wife, and my union family,” stated Trubelhorn.
The 18-year MCFR veteran still has a lengthy road to recovery ahead of him, though Trubelhorn is committed to returning to his calling.
“Throughout his career, Chris has shown strength and determination, (and) we expect nothing less from him now,” stated Marion County Fire Chief James Banta. “As he continues to heal at home, we ask that everyone continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”