MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 11/28: The Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) captain burned while battling a blaze nearly a month ago is expected to undergo another surgery today, Tuesday, Nov. 28.
That’s according to a post on the department’s Facebook page which indicates Capt. Chris Trubelhorn will face a fifth surgery which is described as “exploratory in nature” to determine the need for additional skin grafts.
MCFR Chief James Banta called Trubelhorn’s journey “courageous” as he recovers from his injuries and that his spirits are high and his sense of humor sharp.
UPDATE 11/14: Marion County Fire Rescue Fire (MCFR) says Capt. Chris Trubelhorn will undergo a third surgery today, Tuesday, Nov. 14.
The department regularly posts updates on its Facebook page.
Chief James Banta says, “After this surgery is completed, he will have approximately 3 weeks of recovery with the hopes of going home after that.”
UPDATE 11/13: Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) provided another update on the recovery of the captain who was injured while battling a blaze.
On Friday, the department posted a progress report on Capt. Chris Trubelhorn saying, “Yesterday’s surgery didn’t go as smoothly as we would have liked. Chris had a reaction to medicine and as a result couldn’t finish the surgery on his hands or fingers.”
MCFR says another surgery will be scheduled.
The post goes onto say that Trubelhorn is enjoying visits from his firefighting colleagues. “It truly does lift his spirits seeing familiar faces,” MCFR stated.
UPDATE 11/4: Marion County Fire Rescue says their injured fire captain is resting comfortably following surgery.
MCFR posted an update Friday evening on its Facebook page saying that the surgeon for Capt. Chris Trubelhorn stated “his surgery was very successful.”
The post says Trubelhorn will have a second surgery sometime next week.
The latest post also included a message from Trubelhorn’s wife:
“Chris and I thank everyone for the outpouring of support and love. Chris looks forward to receiving visitors in the future. He is resting after his surgery.”
The department asked for the community to keep sending prayers. “They are working for Chris, his extended family and our department,” the post stated.
UPDATE 11/3: Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) has posted an update on their injured fire captain.
Capt. Chris Trubelhorn is currently in the burn unit at Shands Hospital. A Facebook post indicates he will undergo the first of a series of surgeries today, Friday, November 3.
MCFR says, “Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with Chris and his family during this challenging time. Let’s come together, sending prayers and positive energy his way.”
ORIGINAL 11/1: Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) says one of their firefighters was seriously burned Wednesday while battling a structure fire in Silver Springs.
MCFR crews responded to a home in the 18000 block of SE 20th Place. When they arrived, they discovered lots of smoke coming from the building.
MCFR says Capt. Chris Trubelhorn was seriously injured while battling the blaze and is currently being treated at Shands Teaching Hospital in Gainesville.
“Our department leadership, the Professional Firefighters of Marion County Local 3169 and our Chaplains are present at Shands caring for Chris and his family,” shared MCFR in Facebook post.
MCFR says Trubelhorn an 18-year veteran of the department. They say his road to recovery will be long and that the department, union, and community will support him through the recovery process.