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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/14/2008 03:53 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/14/2008 07:16 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Limited Term Fire Apparatus Engineer Tim Valadez Returns to Duty
San Andreas, CA....Limited Term, Fire Apparatus Engineer Tim Valadez returned to full active duty on June 2, 2008. He is currently stationed in West Point. On August 11, 2002, LT, FAE Valadez was involved in a rollover accident on Highway 15 in Southern California. It would be determined that the U joint and drive shaft had mechanical problems which caused the fire truck to rollover. Valadez and two other firefighters sustained major injuries. All three were air lifted to a hospital in Loma Linda. Valadez suffered from damage to his right side pelvis and right femur.....
Valadez was told that he would not be able to return to firefighting due to continued issues with his injuries. He would undergo a total of seven surgeries over the course of the next five years, his last surgery being in December of 2007. He has a titanium rod that runs the length of his femur. He had to attend physical therapy three times per week for several weeks after each surgery.
Determined to get back to full active duty, he continued seeking a solution to his injuries. His main problem was continual bone growth that interfered with the hardware in his femur. His doctor suggested that he try radiation to stunt some of the bone growth.
The radiation worked and with a doctor’s release Valadez reported to full duty. He was immediately dispatched to the Humboldt fire in Butte County. Valadez feels the assignment was the ultimate test of his capabilities with the steep uneven terrain to climb, pulling hose, carrying equipment. Valadez admits that he will probably always experience day to day pain and discomfort, but is very excited and pleased to be back.
The determination, motivation and persistence that Valadez displays continually makes him successful and an asset to the Tuolumne/Calaveras Unit. Welcome back!
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