Fort Worth firefighter Caleb Halvorson and his infant son have finally been reunited after fighting for their lives at separate hospitals in the metroplex.
Baby Hudson Halvorson, originally due in September, was born in June — 13 weeks early — and wound up spending 112 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at THR Alliance in North Fort Worth. When Hudson was born, he weighed 1 pound and 9 ounces. He broke the record for the smallest baby and the longest stay at the hospital.
He was still battling for his life in the NICU when his father, Caleb, sustained serious burns in the line of duty in early September. Caleb would spend the next 34 days fighting for his life at a hospital in Dallas.
Caleb Halvorson and a fellow firefighter were injured when the garage suddenly collapsed while the crew was battling a house fire on South Williams Street on September 3, The Dallas Express reported. Halvorson was transported to the Parkland Health burn unit in Dallas, where he faced “adversity, anxiety and pain” with resilience while recovering from his injuries, according to a Facebook post by the fire department.
He developed a serious infection, became resistant to pain medication, and needed another skin graft surgery after doctors realized the burns were worse than they thought. Caleb persevered through physical therapy and went into “the tank” every morning, where his burns and wounds were cleaned.
“The pain is unimaginable,” the department wrote.
But his stepfather, Bobby — a Fort Worth firefighter of 28 years — stayed by his side. The department called him a “steady presence during a truly traumatizing time.”
During this time, Caleb Halvorson struggled with the emotional pain of being separated from his son, according to the department.
“They haven’t seen each other since before the Mayday incident on September 3rd,” the department posted. “Both defied the odds stacked mightily against them.”
Now, the father and son have finally returned home, the Fort Worth Fire Department announced on October 14.
“Today, their fighting journeys have led them home. Two different battles, one incredible reunion. Two miracles. One family. And endless gratitude.
The department congratulated Caleb and his wife, Haley, on finally reuniting as a family.
“While the road ahead is still long … they finally get to do it together. Welcome home, Baby Hudson.”
The Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association has launched a fundraiser for the Halvorson family.