SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A big surprise for CBS News 8's Kyle Kraska Thursday night as he emceed a big fundraiser for the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation.
During the event, Kraska came face-to-face with the first responders who helped save his life after being shot six times a year and a half ago.
At Thursday's gala, Kraska shared his life saving story. "On February 10th of last year, I was shot in my driveway six times. If they had not done what they did, I would never have made it to the hospital. I would have been dead," he said.
Kraska was shot in his driveway by a man who he hired to paint his house. He laid there bleeding almost near death until help arrived.
The man who shot Kyle, Mike Montana, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Kraska said he always wanted to thank the EMTs and firefighters on the scene that day, but had not been able to track them down.
At Thursday's event as he emceed, Kraska was finally able to meet and thank his life savers in person.
"To be able to hug them, shake their hand and look them in the eye and say - thank you - is the best gift I could have ever imagined tonight. They are a huge reason--the primary reason why I am alive today," he said.
"It feels good that we would be able to help someone and make a significant impact," said Brian Kneebone, San Diego Fire engineer.
The San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation's gala at the Hyatt helped raise money to allow the city to afford life-saving equipment.