Dallas fire prevention officer welcomed back after stroke; credits partner with helping save his life
DALLAS - A Dallas fire prevention officer was welcomed back to his job with a surprise months after suffering a stroke.
Clarence Briggs credits his partner for helping save his life.
Briggs had a warm welcome back on Wednesday.
"I wasn’t expecting this," he said.
In July, Briggs was on an inspection with his partner, officer Gisell Delgado, when he began to feel sick.
After his partner took him to the emergency room, they found out he had a stroke.
"This is family I was ready to get back," Briggs said. "Whenever I think…when I think of Officer Delgado and [my wife]. Over 40 years ago, we said "I do," it said in sickness and in health, and she’s lived up to that and beyond."
For a few days, it looked like Briggs wouldn’t make it. His family credits his recovery to his strong will to live.
The Navy veteran said his family played a critical part in helping him regain his strength as well.
"[My wife] was like my coach and my daughter took me hiking. They made sure that whatever activity that I needed, I got it. They were my drill sergeants. Chest up, cheeks tight," he said.
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Briggs thanked the rehabilitation personnel at the hospital for helping him.
And Delgado was given an award for playing an essential part in helping get Briggs to the ER.
"I woke up this morning and to myself I said, you know, there are people that don’t have their loved ones with them for Thanksgiving, but thanks to Officer Delgado, I got to share Thanksgiving with my family and I hope to share Christmas with them as well," Briggs said.
His family personally thanked her.
"We are so thankful that God chose you to be his angel on that special day," they said.
Briggs and Dallas Fire-Rescue Medical Director Dr. Marshal Isaacs joined FOX 4 live on Good Day Thursday morning to share his story.
Fire prevention officer talks about surviving a stroke
Good Day talked to Clarence Briggs, a fire prevention officer with Dallas Fire-Rescue, about surviving a stroke. His partner took him to the ER when he started feeling sick back in July. Doctors quickly realized he'd had a stroke. Dr. Marshal Isaacs says there are several stroke symptoms people should look out for.
Dr. Isaacs said the symptoms of a stroke are the sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of the body. It could be an arm, a leg, or even the face.
Other symptoms include sudden vision loss in one eye and severe vertigo, a feeling like the room is spinning.
People should call 911 immediately if those things happen, he said.