Loudoun County Lt. Chris Kerkstra reported for duty Wednesday.
While that wouldn't usually be news-worthy, it is with Kerkstra as he has been fighting for about five months to do it.
Kerkstra was seriously injured in a Sterling house explosion that claimed the life of fellow Firefighter Trevor Brown.
In February, firefighters found that a 500-gallon propane tank had been leaking all day. The owners of the home were able to evacuate safely, just before the house exploded.
Following a catastrophic explosion, multiple Maydays were called. Crews ran to assist and managed to clear the rubble to help their colleagues.
Kerkstra, the T611 officer, was trapped in the basement and required an extensive tunneling operation to be freed. He was able to walk out on his own once there was a path made to get out, WUSA9 reported.
He's been working to heal ever since. He did, and is back as the lieutenant at his station.
Ten other firefighters were hurt in the incident that led to county fire marshals to halt certain providers from delivering gas to homes.
