Dozens of firefighters and airmen stood on the tarmac at Monaco Air Duluth on Monday, waiting to send off one of their own.

Ray Skoglund was out for a run when he was critically injured in a hit and run incident. He’s spent two and a half weeks at Essentia, and the family is forever grateful to them for saving his life and helping him to get to this point. Now he is strong enough to head to Craig Hospital.

“He called the station this morning,” shared Chief Shawn Krizaj. “We thought this would be a good way to show we care. We’ve really seen progress every day. Seeing the firefighter family come together, it means a lot to us.”

The supporters clapped for Ray as he was transferred from the ambulance to the plane. His dad is by his side, and other family will be meeting them in Colorado.

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Skoglund, 24, sustained injuries that include broken limbs, broken ribs, fractured vertebrae, facial injuries, and brain injury.

Mayor Roger Reinert said many of the city’s 900 employees have been asking about Ray.

His presence at DFD Headquarters continues to be missed by all of his DFD brothers and sisters, who wish him a speedy and thorough recovery.

A GoFundMe has been made for Ray Skoglund and can be found at this link.