Jim Thorpe Councilman Tom Highland, who was badly burned in a residential fire that claimed the life of his wife, Lynn, in late May, returned to Council Monday for the reorganization meeting.

Tom escaped through the basement and was taken to the Lehigh Valley Burn Center in Allentown with extensive burns.

“It’s been a very rough road, but I’m just glad to be back here and fighting my way back,” Highland said after the meeting.

“Words can’t express how grateful I am for everything people have done for me. I love the people of Jim Thorpe from the bottom of my heart. It’s been so overwhelming.”

Highland was sworn in to a third term on borough council before Monday’s meeting. He was the top vote-getter in the 2021 general election, earning 861 votes.

Returning council members Greg Strubinger, who tallied 749 votes, and Joanne Klitsch, with 734 votes, were also sworn in along with newcomer Jessica Crowley, who received 626 votes.