ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Chemung County Sheriff's Investigator Michael Theetge, who was critically injured in the line of duty in March, continues his recovery. Theetge was seen at a swearing-in ceremony for two new deputies on Friday afternoon in Elmira, speaking with WENY News about his progress. 

Theetge says in addition to his medical care, he placed focus on the outpouring of love he received from his family, but also the greater community. 

"The support from my wife has been absolutely phenomenal," said Theetge. "I can't be, you know, more thankful for that. But just hearing her [my wife], tell me 'Yep, you know what, you are continuing to get better.'" Theetge added, "I'm seeing improvement here, or something along those lines. It has been great for me."

On Friday, March 29th, Investigator Theetge was critically injured while responding to a shoplifting incident at Target in Big Flats. He spent a total of 47 days receiving in-patient medical care at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania, and then inpatient rehab in Rochester, New York. Theetge was released from inpatient rehab on May 15th. Today, Theetge shared he goes back and forth to Rochester for ongoing outpatient care. 

"The recovery itself is still ongoing. I'm still traveling to Rochester several times for different treatments up there and it's just one of those unfortunate things with the brain," he said.

The father of two emphasized the major role his wife, kids, and friends have played in his recovery.

"Honestly, just every day having my kids, they're both, they're young, two and six, but just hearing an 'I love you, daddy,' something like that is great," says Theetge. 

After the incident in March, Theetge and his family saw an outpouring of community support in numerous ways. From fundraisers, to t-shirts, online posts, and more, he says the support can be felt. 

While his continued recovery is the main focus, Theetge said hopes to eventually return to service with the Chemung County Sheriff's Office.

"This time with my family is something that I'm so thankful for, especially after what had happened. At the same time, I also want to be back at the Sheriff's Department, where I've spent so many years and I have so many close friends and everything. So it is a work in progress where I am looking to come back and we're just working with the doctors and the county to make all that happen," shared Theetge.

Theetge continues to make visits to the Chemung County Sheriff's Office to support his colleagues who continue to stand by his side.