Sisters-Camp Sherman firefighter, hurt in 40-foot fall, back at work

A Sisters-Camp Sherman firefighter injured six months ago in a 40-foot fall in California’s Death Valley has returned to work, officials said Monday.

Captain Thornton Brown with the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was canyoneering in Hades Canyon in Death Valley with two other firefighters when he fell during a rappel. Brown’s injuries prevented him from continuing the hike out and he had to spend the night in the remote canyon.

Rescuers with the California Highway Patrol Inland Division Air Operations (H-80) were notified of the accident and conducted an air rescue utilizing a helicopter. The video of the rescue can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyJ00ecbD8w

Since the accident, Brown has endured medical treatments and extensive physical therapy. Throughout the recovery process, Brown was determined to make a full recovery and get back to work on the fire engine.

Fire Chief Roger Johnson said, “We are proud of the hard work and determination he has shown to get back to work.”

Due to the physical demands of the job, injured firefighters must pass a grueling physical abilities test before returning to work. he test is designed to simulate firefighting skills that may be encountered at an emergency incident.

The department said Brown breezed through the testing process without hesitation and reported for duty on Saturday.

Brown would like to thank all of the people who helped him through the recovery process: “I am so thankful to be back to work and couldn’t have done this without the help of the CHP rescue crew, my doctors, physical therapist, friends and family.”