Redefining Possibility: Gary Returns to Firefighting with his Prosthesis

After losing his left leg below the knee following complications from knee surgery in 2018, Gary Weiland has learned to adapt and overcome — two words that have become his mantra in life. Gary, a Denton fire lieutenant and past American Ninja Warrior competitor, says being a father is the most important thing in his life. A husband and active father of four, he hasn’t let his amputation define him. Instead, he uses it as an opportunity to model strength and confidence for his children and the wider limb loss community. 

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Accepting Adversity

 In 2016, seven years into Gary’s firefighting career, he started experiencing knee pain. After learning he had lost most of his cartilage, Gary underwent a partial knee replacement to help alleviate his pain and resume an active lifestyle. A few months later, following extensive physical therapy, he returned to work but still felt like something was off. He experienced occasional swelling, but by November 2018, it had become unbearable.  

Gary was rushed to the hospital and underwent 13 hours of surgery. During this time, the surgeon discovered a piece of bone cement that had completely severed his popliteal artery, resulting in the amputation of his left leg. 

Adapt and Overcome

From the moment he woke up after the procedure, Gary decided he would not let the amputation define him. Knowing it wouldn’t be easy, he shifted his mindset and committed to doing whatever was needed to get back to firefighting.  

For Gary, this meant learning how to walk on his below-knee prosthesis, rebuilding strength, and preparing his body to carry the weight of his bunker gear and air pack. He also had to relearn how to climb a ladder and safely navigate hazards such as unstable roof structures and slippery surfaces.  

“I was happy and excited to be up on two legs again, but it was also very difficult physically and mentally,” Gary recalled.  

Early on, Gary had to be especially mindful of foot placement and work towards regaining balance and stability. As training progressed, he transitioned from basic walking and balance work to more complex firefighting tasks. 

In under a year, Gary resumed his responsibilities and returned to active duty as a firefighter, a role he hopes to continue for years to come. 

Legacy of Accolades

Gary is known for paying it forward, including his support of 50 Legs, a nonprofit company that provides prosthetics to those who otherwise could not afford them. 

As a motivational speaker, Gary believes you can achieve the unthinkable with the right mindset. He shared, “Everyone goes through adversity, but how you respond to that adversity determines your character.”  

Finding a Home at Hanger Clinic

Gary has been a Hanger Clinic patient since July 2025.  

“Prior to joining Hanger Clinic, I feel like things I tried to express sort of fell on deaf ears. Now, I have sockets and devices that are literally pain-free. I have not experienced that since I became an amputee,” said Gary. “I cannot even begin to describe how happy I am with Hanger Clinic. Y’all have changed my life!” 

Gary credits prosthetist Mark Ashford, CP, and his entire DFW-area Hanger Clinic care team for their support in helping him achieve the pain-free reality he’s been seeking for the last seven years. 

When asked if he had any advice to share with fellow amputees, he said, “Always speak up and be your own advocate. When something doesn’t feel right or if something is hurting, keep working with your prosthetist until they get it right. They want to get it right, but they don’t know how we feel unless we tell them. Don’t be afraid to speak up!” 

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