The family of an injured Clermont police officer thanked the public Wednesday for their support.

Kris Kruse, 21, has severe burns on more than half of his body. Kruse was attempting to move a gas tank for safety when it exploded. The accident happened after watching the Superbowl at a friend’s home.

Kruse’s father said alcohol did not play a role in the incident.  

Kruse was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he remains in the intensive care unit.

“First-degree burns cover a good portion of his body. There was actually very little that wasn’t burned,” said Jack Kruse, Kris’ Father.

Kris’ father, Jack Kruse, is also a Clermont police officer. He is in a wheelchair after breaking both of his legs in a paragliding accident. However, his focus is on his son.

“Luckily, his left foot was one of the things that when he got doused, his shoe protected his left foot and it was still OK. So I sat there last night and just held his foot like someone would hold a hand,” said Kruse.   

Kris joined the Clermont Police Department in July of 2015. His father has been on the force for seven years.

“We live hour to hour. We don’t know what is going to happen. The doctors have given him a 50-50 percent chance right now,” said Kruse.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Kruse.

In addition, the police union has set up a family benefit fund through Fifth Third Bank, under the name “Benefit for Officer Kruse Clermont Police Department.”

NOTE: This Gofundme.com site is not managed by Bay News 9/News 13. For more information on how the site works and the rules, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety.