GRESHAM, Ore. (KOIN) -- Spencer Tejedas was ready to get to work Monday morning.

After nearly a year recovering from burns that covered 45% of his body, the Gresham firefighter "woke up this moring, put the uniform on and, you know, it just felt right."

He was caught in a flashover while searching for a child in a house fire and spent three months in the intensive care unit. Tejedas underwent multiple surgeries and had several fingers amputated.

Last October, he made his first return visit to the fire station and said then his desire was to return to work.

"It's our job and it's what I signed up to do," he said at that time.

On Monday, that dream became a reality. Tejedas was welcomed back by his crew during a morning celebration at the Gresham Fire Training Center.

"Excited to see what the future holds for me," he said. "You know I am early in my career, and this is Day One of a new season and just happy to be here around who I love. They're my second family."

Chief Derik Minard said Tejedas’ return to work is “nothing short of extraordinary. … His courage, perseverance, and dedication to this department and community are an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly proud to welcome him back.”

Tejadas is not on the frontlines anymore. Now he's shaping the future by mentoring the next generation of recruits with priceless, lived experience beginning in early April.

"This is not your typical 9-to-5, and I think people need to understand that."

He knows that better than anyone. He nearly lost his life, his wife and kids. But he's driven by one thing: the chance to give back to the community that saved him, the one that gave him a second chance.

"I've never wanted to be in the spotlight never asked for any of this," he said. "But it's the continued support and these people have got me where I'm at today."