Jeff Peterson

A firefighter’s resilience in overcoming adversity

Jeff Peterson, a firefighter from North Richland Hills, is on the mend after a devastating diagnosis that started with a knee injury.

In December 2023, Peterson twisted his knee when he was getting off his motorcycle during a recreational ride. Despite receiving medical attention, his condition worsened over time and he began experiencing strange symptoms, including some loss of mobility. Medical tests ordered by his alert orthopedic physician at Medical City Decatur revealed an unrelated brain tumor.

Following a successful surgery to remove the tumor, Peterson was determined to reclaim his career and passion for serving people, beginning a rigorous rehabilitation journey with the highly skilled team at Medical City Decatur’s inpatient rehabilitation center. The team supported Peterson in relearning everyday activities such as eating, walking and speaking. The compassionate care team even arranged a visit from his colleagues at the Decatur Fire Department, to enable some occupational therapy, so that he could practice climbing in and out of the firetruck. The therapy fueled his determination.

Jeff Peterson is grateful for the care he received – and the vigilant physician who investigated some mysterious symptoms – enabling him to get back to his life, his family and his important life-saving work.