PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gresham firefighter Spencer Tejedas has returned to work nearly a year after suffering critical injuries in the line of duty.

Tejedas was welcomed back by his crew during a Monday morning celebration at the Gresham Fire Training Center, where he will begin an administrative role mentoring new recruits with the training academy.

The reunion comes after Tejedas spent months recovering at the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center due to the fire that broke out in a duplex near SE 182nd Avenue and Madison Way in late May 2024. 

Firefighters at the scene had been told a child with disabilities was trapped inside a bedroom. However, when the three entered the duplex, the teen was safely outside the home.

Two of the injured firefighters were treated and released from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, but officials said Tejedas suffered severe burns on more than 45% of his body.

In a statement, Chief Derik Minard said Tejedas’ return to work is “nothing short of extraordinary.”

“His courage, perseverance, and dedication to this department and community are an inspiration to us all,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to welcome him back.”