Bashed unconscious with serious head injuries six weeks ago, Detective Sergeant Dan Foley's return to work might just qualify him for a "tough as old boots" award.
"You've got to get the old grey matter working," he said with a smile as he settled in behind his desk at the Napier Police Station this morning.
He's been back on deck for just over a week now and, given the injuries he sustained after being attacked in Hastings, is taking it slowly and cautiously.
"I'm just working the mornings for now - easing back into it," the 51-year-old veteran officer said.
The attack and serious head injuries Mr Foley received came after he stepped in to try and settle an altercation he came across while off duty and collecting his daughter from a party in Totara St, Mahora, in the early hours of October 11.
The injuries saw him placed in an induced coma and he underwent surgery for the facial injuries he received.
The physical repercussions from injuries were still with him, Mr Foley said.
"There's still some numbness in my face and the odd pain in the old head," he said.
"But I'm not bad ... although I've been better," he added with a laugh.
"You know when things aren't 100 per cent but I can get through the day."
While not on painkillers, he said the occasional headache tablet usually got things sorted.
His progress to full health, and eventual full days back in his role as police tactical co-ordinator, is in the hands of medical specialists.
Mr Foley said he would be undergoing neurological tests next week to assess his progress.
"And to ensure all's well," he said.
The beating he received was so severe he had no recall of it, and had lost three days from his life.
"I just can't remember it - it's gone."
He said he realised the seriousness of head injuries and was ensuring he returned to the "beat" at his own pace.
"I got a lot of great welcome backs from the staff here - they've really helped. There are a lot of good people around."
Mr Foley's attacker, 17-year-old City Charles Timu, pleaded guilty to the attack and has been remanded in custody until December 15 for sentencing.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Hawkes Bay Today
$70M flood plan: About 627 Wairoa properties moved out of limbo
Much of Wairoa was in the 2A category post-floods.