By Venita Jenkins
Staff writer
The Fayetteville Observer
ELIZABETHTOWN - As Bladen County detective Eric Bryan exchanged gunfire with a robber, he caught a glimpse of the family photo and guardian angel pin that he kept in his squad car.
He remembers thinking that God would watch over him. He also thought about what could happen to his family if the gunman got away.
Bryan was shot in the face during the shootout in July 2002, and the suspect was arrested.
Over the past year, Bryan has relied on his family and his faith as he recovered from his injuries.
“They have been supportive, and they have been behind me all the way,’' Bryan said Thursday. “I could not be here today without them. I am back to work, and I feel great.’'
Bryan returned to work three weeks ago as a sergeant in the Civil Division. There was little pomp and circumstance then, but that changed Thursday when he received numerous awards for valor during a ceremony at the Bladen County Courthouse.
Bryan received the Chief Inspector Award from the U.S. Postal Service and the Purple Heart and Silver Star from the American Police Hall of Fame.
On July 15, 2002, Bryan responded to an armed robbery at the Kelly Post Office. Carl McNeill Jr. started shooting when Bryan stopped his truck.
At least nine bullets hit the detective’s car. One of the bullets struck Bryan on the right side of his nose. The bullet went through his left cheek and exited near the front of his left ear. Bryan’s nasal cavity was injured, and his cheekbone was fractured.
Guy Cottrell, assistant inspector in charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Service, said fewer than 10 Chief Inspector Awards are given nationwide each year.
“We are very proud to honor an individual who fiercely sacrificed his own safety to apprehend a fleeing felon,’' Cottrell said. “Without his actions we probably would not have been able to apprehend this individual. We are very grateful not only to Detective Bryan but to all local law enforcement for assisting us out in rural areas where we do not have a presence.’'
McNeill was sentenced June 2 in federal court after being convicted of armed robbery, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm while committing a felony.
Overcome with emotion
Sheriff Steve Bunn presented Bryan with the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Bunn appeared overcome by emotion as he presented the awards to Bryan. He recalled his conversation with Bryan after the shooting about the family photo and the guardian angel pin in his squad car.
“These things gave him the determination and fortitude to keep going. They represent the love for his family and a responsibility and a desire to do whatever it took to keep them, and all citizens, safe,’' Bunn said.
Bunn also presented Bryan’s wife, Lisa, the American Police Hall of Fame Spouse Award for her support and sacrifices.
Few reservations
Bryan, who has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, said he appreciates the awards and plans to pass them to his two sons.
“When I look at them it reflects on the good people that I have met along the way during my career,’' he said. "… Even though it reflects on what happened to me that day, in my heart it doesn’t reflect the bad aspect. It reflects how good people are and gracious they were to think enough of me to give me these awards.’'
Bryan said he had few reservations about returning to work.
“If my family was going to have problems with it, then I would have taken another look at it,’' he said. “I didn’t want to do anything that my family didn’t approve of.’'
The past year has been a tough road for Bryan. He spent numerous days in doctors’ offices. His family worried that he would lose his vision.
“It has been tough with good days and a lot of bad days,’' he said. “But the chapter was closed on the bad days when the guy who shot me was sentenced to 37 years and four months. At that time, I was able to get on with my life and get back to work.”