A gravely wounded officer whose dramatic survival story was told in a two-part Police1 series has been selected for a special role at the conclusion of National Police Week ceremonies in Washington, D.C., next month.
Jason Fishburn of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. was shot in the head during a foot pursuit last July and so seriously brain-injured that doctors initially did not expect him to live. When he defied those odds, they then said he was unlikely ever to regain physical functionality.
On the afternoon of May 15, during the 28th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on the Capitol grounds, Fishburn will demonstrate his courageous determination to recover beyond all expectations.
During a solemn ceremony, with President Obama scheduled to attend, survivors of officers killed in the line of duty will place flowers one at a time in a wreath to be laid later that day at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. After the survivors’ poignant gesture is concluded, Fishburn will add a red carnation to the wreath in representation of all disabled officers.
In what is certain to be a memorable moment, Fishburn, who was “supposed” to be among the fallen, will walk to the wreath with the help of a cane and a brace on his right leg. “What you’ll see,” says Julie Black, a member of the FOP National Memorial Service committee who proposed Fishburn for this appearance, “is a miracle.”
A full account of the officer’s continuing recovery will be reported by Police1 after the trial of his accused assailant, which is on the court docket for this spring. Meanwhile, you can read how the remarkable teamwork of fellow officers saved Jason Fishburn’s life the night of his fateful confrontation here.
