The 15-year veteran of the county fire department spent 34 days in the Washington Hospital Center recovering from his burns. He was released from the hospital March 26, and rode in his regular seat in cab of a fire truck back to the Oxon Hill firehouse, where he serves as a shift commander. The trip was a symbolic gesture known as "return to base."
On Monday, Mahaffey met with fellow firefighters at the volunteer fire department of Brandywine's firehouse.
Mahaffey said Capt. John Beardmore, the Brandywine commander and his longtime friend, had been a great help during the hospital stay.
"He's done a lot for the family and me during this time," Mahaffey told The Gazette about of Beardmore.
While his family has received an outpouring of support from friends, fellow firefighters, even strangers, Mahaffey singled out Beardmore, friend and county firefighter Jeff Fisher and county Fire Chief Ronald Blackwell for their contributions.
He said those three visited him in the hospital every day, have taken him to his therapy appointments and stood by his family.
"It's just been overwhelming, man," Mahaffey said of the public's support. "People call up asking, 'Can I do this for you, can I do that for you?' People stop you on the side of the road, saying, 'Hey, hey, glad you're back.' It's just amazing."
Since his discharge, Mahaffey has returned to the Washington Hospital Center three times a week for physical therapy. The healing process includes exercises such as "motion therapy" for his hands and cardiovascular workouts for his respiratory system.
When not at the hospital, Mahaffey said he has been continuing the therapy at his home in St. Mary's County by walking around the house and performing household chores, anything that requires the use of his hands to strengthen his grip.
He said the psychological side of his recovery is going well, too.
"I understand it's part of my job," Mahaffey said of his injuries. "Things like this can happen at any time, so I'm not taking it too hard."
Mahaffey said his hands have been burned several times before.
Mahaffey, 34, is a Prince George's County native. He grew up in Morningside and joined the local volunteer fire department at age 16. In 1989, he joined the county fire department.
Mahaffey said his mother anointed him with the nickname "Dino," but he does not know why.
"Since I was a baby, that's just what everyone called me," he said with a slight laugh.
Mahaffey said he "grew up around firefighters." His uncle is a retired D.C. firefighter, and his older brother Wade is a Fairfax County firefighter. Mahaffey and his wife Dania, 32, have been married nearly 12 years and have three children, ages 10, 6 and 4. "I'm just happy to have him here," said Dania Mahaffey, stroking her husband's hair. "I feel like I won the lottery."
Mahaffey said his doctors have not determined when he might return to active duty. But he said he is looking forward to getting back to work. "If that's what he wants to do, that's what he wants to do," said his wife. "Whatever decision he wants to make is OK by me."
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