TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Squad cars lined the street with their lights flashing as they welcomed home one of their own Thursday.
Gadsden County deputy Edward Campbell was critically injured in an accident in December when a drunk driver hit his patrol car while in Tallahassee.
Ever since, he's been recovering in Jacksonville, undergoing multiple surgeries.
Thursday, Deputy Campbell got a warm welcome home. Members of several different law enforcement agencies were there, as well as his family, to show their love and support as he continues his recovery at home.
Deputy Campbell stepped out of the car to find "welcome home" signs and balloons, even a special balloon by his neighbors.
He has two pins in his leg, a cast on his arm, and multiple scars. He will soon begin outpatient therapy at home, but will have to go back to Jacksonville for checkups.
But Thursday, Campbell said he is so grateful for the support that's helped him heal, emotionally.
"Thank you so much for all your support. It's meant a lot to me and my family. It's a long road to getting better but it's just helped and encouraged me and has picked me up from some dark moments, so thank you so much," said Deputy Campbell.
The sheriff's office is hoping to slowly incorporate him back into work.
A GoFundMe page set up to help in Deputy Campbell's medical bills, has raised $68,000.
The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Edward Campbell is finally coming home after being hit by a drunk driver during a car accident in early December.
GCSO says Deputy Campbell finally came home on Thursday after spending weeks recovering at the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville.
Deputies, joined by friends and family, greeted Deputy Campbell with signs of support and applause as he pulled up to the home.
Deputy Campbell suffered serious injuries after he was hit by a man driving under the the influence on Thomasville Road and Raymond Diehl Road in early December. During the crash, Deputy Campbell was ejected from his vehicle and transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
Since the accident, Tallahassee police have arrested the driver, Harry A. Shoaff for DUI with serious bodily injuries.
The sheriff's office also stated that he still has a long road ahead of him until he reaches full recovery, but they say they are "elated he's made it home finally."
