Deputy wounded by Chris Dorner returns to work

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- It was seven months ago that Christopher Dorner terrorized Southern California with a deadly vendetta against law enforcement. On Monday, a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy, who was wounded by Dorner, finally returned to work.

Deputy Alex Collins walked back into the Big Bear sheriff's station. His ability to walk is a testament to his remarkable recovery. Collins was warmly welcomed back to work by the sheriff and his fellow deputies.

"As soon as I woke up in the hospital, all I could think about was getting back to work and getting back here to Big Bear, so that's kind of been my main goal," said Collins.

Collins is still recovering from the injuries he suffered when he was shot during the manhunt for Dorner, the former Los Angeles police officer who went on a killing rampage in February.

Collins was shot in the face and leg during a shootout with Dorner near Big Bear. Det. Jeremiah MacKay was killed during that gun battle.

"Obviously, it was the worst day of my life and the worst day for a lot of people, the MacKay family. You can't help but think about Jeremiah. I think about him every day," said Collins.

Sheriff John McMahon said he's happy to have Collins back.

"This is an incredible young man right next to me, and to have him come back to work today is not only great for the station, it's great for the entire department," said McMahon. "We're so proud that he's made it back to work."

Collins will be on modified duty, working in the office for now while he continues therapy to get back to full strength.

"That's the main goal, is to get physically well enough for me to go out there and go out on the street again," said Collins.

Collins thanked his doctors and the community for offering a lot of support through his ordeal.

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chris dorner, san bernardino county, inland empire news, amy powell

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