In a heartening update, the two Polk County deputies injured last week in the gunfight, which unfolded during an investigation into a suspicious vehicle at a local park, have been discharged from the hospital. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office shared the encouraging news of Lt. Chad Anderson and DS Craig Smith’s release, marking a promising development in their recovery journey.
Praise the Lord our guys are home! Lt. Chad Anderson and DS Craig Smith have both been released from the hospital – they both have long roads to recovery, but with your love, support, and prayers, we hope they’ll be back out there soon protecting and serving. Thank you, thank you, thank you. #TheyreHome #ChadAndCraig #Heroes #4605 #7562 #PraiseTheLord
Publicado por Polk County Sheriff’s Office en Lunes, 6 de mayo de 2024
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During a confrontation at Lakeland’s Hunt Fountain Park, Lt. Chad Anderson and DS Craig Smith were caught in the line of fire. Anderson sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm, which then pierced into his chest cavity. Smith was struck twice in his right arm. Despite their extensive injuries, both deputies narrowly escaped fatal outcomes.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging the miraculous survival of his colleagues. While Anderson and Smith face daunting recoveries ahead, they will undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy from the comfort of their homes.
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