A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy seriously wounded earlier this year during a manhunt for a former LAPD officer who went on a rampage returned to work on Monday.
Deputy Alex Collins suffered life-threatening injuries during the Feb. 12 shootout with Christopher Dorner, who went on a killing spree targeting law enforcement in Southern California.
Collins' partner, Jeremiah MacKay, was killed in the gun battle as Dorner was barricaded in a cabin in Big Bear. A Riverside police officer and two other people were also slain during the days-long manhunt.
"It is an emotional and proud day for this department, we are so happy that Alex is doing so well and is returning to work," Sheriff John McMahon said in a statement. "Deputy Collins is an amazing young man and a great Deputy Sheriff."
Collins credited his return to work of the team of doctors at the Loma Linda Medical Center, where he underwent several surgeries during his recovery.
"I knew I would be returning to work, as soon as I woke up in the hospital all I could think about was getting back to duty," he said.
Collins will be assigned to modified duty and will work in the station doing follow-up investigative work.
