By Ashley Silver
Police1
ROCKDALE, Texas — Nearly seven weeks after being shot while responding to a mental health crisis call, Milam County Deputy Sam Ferguson is sharing his story of recovery.
According to KBTX News, Ferguson, who serves as the mental health deputy for Milam County Sheriff’s Office, tried to remove a man for an emergency order of detention when the man began shooting.
The deputy was hit multiple times and returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman.
Ferguson reflected on the injuries he suffered as a result of the shooting with KXXV News.
“This jaw, so there’s a big gaping hole over here. Most of this is gone,” Ferguson said, pointing to his wired jaw. “The bullet hit right up here. It’s actually still in my face. They’ll either take it out when they put the jaw in, or just leave it.”
A bullet also hit Ferguson’s stomach but was blocked by his body armor.
Despite the long road to recovery ahead, Ferguson said the overwhelming support from his family and the community has undoubtedly kept him going.
“The kindness of people in Milam County, and even beyond, has been absolutely heartwarming,” said Ferguson.
Once cleared to return to work, the deputy wants to help expand the county’s mental health training and resources.
https://www.facebook.com/mike.clore/posts/10224710765588982
Also in the South, a Thomas County deputy in Georgia suffered a similar injury to Ferguson just last week.
Sgt. Frankie Rollins was shot twice in the head while attempting to de-escalate a fight during a family gathering, according to WALB News.
The suspect, Terry Donnell Sloan, was arrested Friday night.
The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office has started a fundraiser to assist Sgt. Rollins’ recovery and medical costs.