The Clermont Police officer who was severely burned in a bonfire accident earlier this year is finally back home, after spending months in the hospital.
- Officer Kris Kruse severely injured in bonfire explosion in February
- Kruse suffered severe burns on more than half his body, and spent 3 months in intensive care
- Kruse hopes ultimately to get back to work as a police officer
It was a long road of uncertainty as to whether 21-year-old Clermont Police Officer Kris Kruse would survive, but the family’s devotion and prayer in a time of need has paid off.
“Of course, early on we weren’t sure if he was going to make it,” Kris’s father Jack said, “So it was very difficult.”
A tragic bonfire explosion in February left Kruse severely injured. More than half of his body was covered in burns, but his father says he never gave up.
“We never lost the faith, we knew he was going to pull through, we had faith in God and technology to get us through,” Jack said.
After 3 months in intensive care, Kruse returned home Friday morning. He walked through his front door for the first time in months, something he said he’ll never take for granted.
“There was a question whether or not I’d get to come home and walk through those doors, but I made it, and it feels great to finally be home,” said Kruse.
While in the hospital, Kris received more than 40 units of blood, and without those donations he may not have made it. The Kruse family hopes that their story inspires others to donate blood and organs in the future.
Kruse also said he still has a long road of physical therapy ahead of him.
“Once you’re through those surgeries, it’s all about recovery, it’s all on you,” said Kruse.
The family says they’ll be focusing on their son for now, but their next goal is get him back where he was serving: alongside his father with the Clermont Police Department.
“Ultimately, I want to get back to work," said Kruse, "and get back out on the road.”