A Texas peace officer that had been gunned-down was treated to a hero’s welcome as he finally got to go home from the hospital on Tuesday. The officer was shot seven times in the line of duty almost two months ago. His release from the hospital comes during National Police week.
Fort Worth Police Department Officer Matt Pearce was greeted and treated to a hero’s welcome by supporters, fellow officers, and family outside of the hospital. Drums and bagpipes were played to welcome the officer home.
Pearce was shot seven times in March and has been recovering at the Texas Rehabilitation Hospital in Fort Worth. He was shot after a pursuit of a father and his son.
The pursuit started when a fugitive team tried to serve “a stack of warrants” to Ed Russell McIver, Sr. Officers had spotted his SUV, reported WFAA8. McIver was wanted for two aggravated assault charges and two bail jumping warrants. The father and son bailed from the SUV and a gun battle erupted.
Officer Pearce took the time to make a video to thank the public. He said, “Just keep up the fight, no matter how bad you think it is.” He said if he can do it, anyone can. He thanked everyone for all of the support that he has received and said that one day he will be able to turn around and help them again.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for the officer. He was reported by the local CBS affiliate to say that he will have another scan in a couple of months to check his aorta to make sure it is not bleeding or getting bigger.
This week is National Police week and over 30,000 law enforcement officers will travel to Washington, D.C. to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. According to the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, the names of 128 officers will be added to the National Law Enforcment Officers Memorial wall.
Lana Shadwick is a writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2
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