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Eli Dodson. Photo obtained via Gofundme.com.

Eli Dodson has had a rough couple of months.

Dodson, who has lived in Decatur since 1987, had been in the hospital battling an infection since December. He has been wheelchair bound for 20 years because of a car accident and he couldn’t return to his job at Georgia Power. He is active in the community, including a role as a Citizens Assisting Public Safety volunteer with the Police Department.

The city recognized him as a Hometown Hero in 2015. The award recognizes people who work to improve the city.

When he returned home on Feb. 20, Police Chief Mike Booker and other police officers were there to welcome him.

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Photo provided by the Decatur Police Department.

In a Facebook post, the Police Department said, “We enjoyed joining neighbors in welcoming C.A.P.S. (Citizen’s Assisting Public Safety) Volunteer Eli Dodson home from the hospital yesterday. Welcome home Eli! We send you all our best for a speedy recovery.”

A Go Fund Me page established to help Dodson with his medical bills raised $17,300 toward a $25,000 goal. There were 272 donations.

On Wednesday morning Dodson said he was “just trying to adjust to everything” after being away from home for so long.

He appreciated the warm welcome he received.

“It was great,” he said. “It was almost like a parade.”

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