The Gresham Fire Department is excited to share that on Friday, Sept. 27, Firefighter Spencer Tejedas was released from rehabilitation and able to return home.

The Gresham Fire Department will be holding a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 1 pm at Station 31, 1927 Southeast 174th Avenue, Portland. At the press conference, Firefighter Spencer Tejedas will be sharing his story alongside his wife Melea and Gresham Firefighter Jack Pilarski, who was also injured on May 30.

"We are thrilled for the progress Spencer has made and that he is finally able to be back home with his family," said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. "While the road to recovery will continue to be long and challenging, we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this tremendous milestone."

For the past 18 weeks, Firefighter Tejedas has been receiving treatment at the Oregon Burn Center and a rehabilitation center. He has undergone multiple surgeries and a challenging rehabilitation process. Due to the severity of his injuries, it was necessary to amputate most of his fingers, which has created added challenges in his recovery.

Firefighter Tejedas sustained his injuries on Thursday, May 30, when the Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the reports of a duplex on fire. It was a complex response as the nature of the fire quickly evolved and during the process of the response, three firefighters were injured. Two of the firefighters were treated and released, however, Firefighter Tejedas suffered severe burns on over 45% of his body.

If members of the media would like to attend the press conference, please R.S.V.P. to [email protected].