SISTERS, OR -- A Sisters-Camp Sherman fire Captain continues to recover at home, after falling while rappelling in one of the most inhospitable areas of Death Valley. Captain Thornton Brown was vacationing with another Captain and a Fire Medic when he was injured about a week and a half ago. He spent a night on the side of a cliff before he could be rescued by helicopter. Click HERE to read more about the rescue operation.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District spokesperson Julie Spor tells KBND News, "He has a surgery scheduled in the upcoming week; and, his spirits are good and he’s just anxious to start the recovery." She says help is pouring in from around the area. "He needed some ramps built at the house, so firefighters who were off-duty, and some that used to work here that are retired now, kind of rallied together to get that done. So, just kind of accommodating what he needs prior to surgery and then what he’ll need after surgery." She adds, "That’s going to be helpful with him, just getting back and forth to appointments that he’ll have, obviously, in the coming weeks after surgery for physical therapy or anything that he might need after that."

According to Spor, dozens of other firefighters from surrounding agencies, including Black Butte Ranch, Cloverdale and even the U.S. Forest Services, have also stepped up to help Capt. Brown and his family. "We have an awesome fire family here, and even in the surrounding districts. We have our mutual aid agencies that help out, as well: they’re always ready to do meals. We started a ‘Meal Train,’ so everybody’s been working on that. And, obviously covering shifts while he’s out."

Spor says his recovery is expected to take several months, but he plans to eventually return to work.