Injured Tulare County firefighter returns home

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A south valley firefighter returned to a very different home after spending six months in the hospital.

Pat Hinds was putting out a car fire earlier this year in Alpaugh -- when he was run over by another car. He broke thirty bones and was critically injured. While recovering, Hinds fellow firefighters renovated his house to make it easier to get around.

With the help of a walker, Tulare County Firefighter Pat Hinds took slow steps towards his renovated house. He started to cry after he received the keys.

Inside the home, Hinds couldn't believe this was the same house he lived in before the accident. He shook his head and tried to hold back tears as he checked out his room.

From his bed, washer and dryer ... to the ribbon on the door and siding on the house ... every single part of the home was rebuilt thanks to generous donations and hard work by volunteers.

In June while on duty, Pat Hinds was critically injured when a car ran him over while he was putting out a car fire in Alpaugh. The hit and run driver has not been caught.

For the last several months as the 30 broken bones in Hinds body began to heal, his fellow firefighters completely gutted and then renovated his house to make it easier for Hinds to get around. Today was the reward for all their hard work.

Pat Hinds said: "Couldn't ask for much better ... a better group of guys to work with and everything else."

Celia Gregory: "We're a small community small dept to have it come home like this and hit hard it was life changing."

Firefighters still want to put in some landscaping in front of the house. They are mostly thankful they got Pat Hinds home before Christmas.

As Hinds relaxed and opened presents, family and friends celebrated his homecoming.

Pat Hinds will continue to receive in-home therapy for his leg injuries. He says he still needs a few more surgeries before he can attempt to walk on his own again. For now, he's just excited to be with those who love him and looking forward to Christmas next week.

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alpaugh, tulare county, local, jessica peres

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