Injured Texas Firefighter Returns to Station

HOUSTON --

After losing both legs in an accident, a local volunteer firefighter returned to his fire station for the first time Thursday, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Thomas Shuster, 27, was greeted with hugs and cheers when he rolled in the doorway he'd walked through so many times before.

"This is my family," said Shuster. "They've been there for me and done so much. To be back here it means everything to me."

Shuster has been a volunteer firefighter with Cy-Fair since 2001.

"It was something I've always wanted to do. Something I've dreamed of," said Shuster.

On June 1, he was hit by a suspected drunken driver while working his full time job at O'Reilly's Auto Parts. His life changed forever. One leg was amputated below the knee and the other was amputated above the knee.

"He's been through a lot in the last few months, and he's back like nothing happened," station 8 Capt. Mark Rodriguez said.

Shuster said being at the station is the best motivator for him to get out of his wheelchair.

"My goal is to walk," said Shuster.

While he was in the hospital, his fellow firefighters put on a benefit at the station that raised nearly $80,000 from friends, family and people he'd never met. That, he said, gave him drive to come back to the fire department one night a week to do whatever he's able.

"It's just a testament to his will and character that he still wants to give to his community," said Capt. David Padovan with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department.

"It's what I love; it's my passion. I love to help people. It's my way to give back to the community," said Shuster. "Now I have even more reason to do it."

He hopes to walk again by next June.

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