Posted on 09/13/2010 10:41:50 PM PDT by UncleHambone
SOUTH MIAMI-DADE (WSVN) -- On the three-year anniversary of a shooting that left her critically injured and claimed the life of a colleague, Officer Jody Wright returned to full duty with Miami-Dade Police Department.
Dozens of MDPD officers gathered at the department's South District Station on Monday for a memorial service to honor Jose Somohano, while also celebrating Wright's return to duty. "Today is a very sad day," said Wright. "We lost one of our fellow officers, a true hero, and everyday he is my inspiration. I know that he's up above being my guardian angel, and...that he would be proud of me today, coming back to work on full duty, so this is also for me as well as for him."
Back in September 2007, Somohano was killed in the line of duty after a road-side stop in Southwest Miami-Dade turned deadly, and a barrage of bullets injured three other officers, including Jody Wright.
On that fateful day, Wright was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital with 80 percent of her right leg shattered by a bullet. "She's phenomenal," said MDPD Director James Loftus. "The spirit of this young woman; it's been something well chronicled internally...that's filtered through the department constantly. "How's Jody? How's Jody?" Now we see: Jody's doing pretty darn good."
Wright underwent several surgeries and intense therapy but, she said, her determination never wavered. "It's been a very long road, but like I said, it's all for a purpose, and that's why I'm here today, standing in front of you, walking and ready for action."
Wright is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Monday night's Major League Baseball game between the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies, at Sun Life Stadium.
Nice story. Thanks.
Some people still know what it is to grit their teeth and accomplish something really tough. Good for her.
The folks of Miami are well aware of this tragedy and prior to the Marlins Phillies game the small crowd at the game gave her a wonderful ovation and reception as she threw out the 1st pitch. A strike.
I have heard of burns reported as a percentage, but a gun shot? I'm not sure what that means... Was it more than one bullet?
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