Dave Bruyette is a pastor, chaplain, veteran, death notification officer, volunteer firefighter, EMT, father, grandfather and husband.

“It’s huge, it's immense, the amount of counseling and what he does for those in need. He will drop everything to help out the veteran,” said Damon Darakjy. 

After years of serving the community, he needed help himself. 

Late Feb. 25-26, Bruyette and his partner were returning from a mutual aid structure fire in St. Maries. During their return trip on Highway 97, they took a turn, and water sloshed in the back of the truck, causing it to tip and roll over several times before finally smashing into a tree and coming to a stop. 

Bruyette was in and out of consciousness and suffered a serious head injury. 

That didn’t stop him from helping others,

His partner was ejected during the crash and was Bruyette’s first concern. He then ran to a local homeowner to ask for his address so he could accurately call in first responders.

Another fire and rescue team traveling behind them arrived at the scene. Being found sped up the process of getting help immensely.

“God ordained it,” Bruyette said. “I never touched our hazard lights, but somehow during the crash they flipped on.” 

In the weeks after the crash, symptoms from Bruyette’s injury became more noticeable. He experienced brain fog, cognitive issues and developed a temporary stutter while waiting months to meet with a neuropathologist specialist. 

That’s where people rallied around him.

Favors were called in; applications were filled out. Dave received monetary, emotional and social support from the community in which he has invested so much time. 

Mission43’s Operation Resilient Path Program, which supports Idaho veterans and first responders dealing with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress and other related challenges, is sponsoring him.

“The world has just opened up to us,” he said, “it’s very humbling. It’s amazing.” 

Bruyette and Felicia, his wife, were flown to Boise for private treatment. 

Bruyette has spent hours in physical therapy, vestibular therapy and speech therapy and has been able to access the special benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is seen by many as a breakthrough treatment for PTSD and TBIs. 

He credits Felicia as one of the most important parts of his recovery. 

"I couldn't have done this without her. I couldn't even think straight when I got here. I couldn't remember to take my medication; I couldn't schedule appointments. I couldn't remember where and when I needed to be somewhere. I was a hot mess," Bruyette said. 

He also credits Eric Foti and Matt Dill of IVNV Wellness in Hayden for helping his recovery, as they gave him access to their hyperbaric chamber before he traveled to Boise.

Bruyette's health has improved immensely, and he has completed his hyperbaric treatment. He and Felicia plan to return home so he can preach at Mountain Lakes Bible Church on Sunday. 

Both his recovery and his service are far from over.

Bruyette still has numerous hours of physical and speech therapy before he is back to full health. But he is excited to get back to work and has found new inspiration.

He even plans to speak at the memorialization of two servicemen who served in the Civil War and World War I at Mica Peak Cemetery in Spokane.

“I don’t need accolades. I don’t need awards. I don’t need trophies,” Bruyette said, “After 26 years of serving North Idaho, sometimes I ask myself, ‘Am I really making a difference in my community?’ This has shown me that I have.”