WSVN — They risked their lives confronting criminals and protecting us. Fifty-seven thousand police officers are attacked on the job every year in the U.S., but despite the risks and injuries, many get "Back on the Beat." 7’s Craig Stevens has more…
Deputy Al Hibbert, Broward Sheriff’s Office: "I came close to death."
December 1999, BSO deputy Al Hibbert was shot in the back while working an off-duty detail at a Lauderdale Lakes nightclub…
Deputy Al Hibbert: "I remember hearing the doctors telling the nurses, ‘Hurry up, hurry up. We’re losing him.’"
September 2007, Miami-Dade Officer Jody Wright was shot by a man firing an AK-47, almost losing her leg.
Officer Jody Wright, Miami-Dade Police: "Four and a half inches of my bone completely gone."
And in April 2010, Officer Carlos Castillo was hit in the head with a 30-pound cinderblock.
Officer Carlos Castillo, Miami-Dade Police: "Once I was knocked out, he jumped down, dragged my body out and positioned it and ran me over with my vehicle."
Three veteran officers, their lives changed in a split second… And recovery can take years.
Officer Jody Wright: "I think it takes special individuals to be police officers. We’re out there every day risking our lives for strangers, and for me, when I decided to become an officer, I knew exactly what I was getting in to."
Their physical scars are obvious… Emotional scars for any injured officer are harder to see.
Dr. Scott Allen, Miami-Dade Police Psychologist: "It’s mandatory for us to meet with every officer who’s been traumatized."
Doctor Scott Allen says along with surgeries and physical therapy, counseling is necessary in the healing process.
Dr. Scott Allen: "Everything that they say is confidential, which is extremely important."
They come together to support one another and they know they are the lucky ones. Jody Wright survived that day, but fellow officer Jose Somohano did not. And when Deputy Hibbert was shot, BSO officer Michael Doan crashed his patrol car trying to get to the scene. He died later. Now, Hibbert always drives with his lights on in Doan’s memory.
Deputy Al Hibbert: "I don’t complain about anything because when you can get up in the morning and you can walk, and you have your strength in your life, that’s a blessing in disguise."
Officer Castillo agrees.
Officer Carlos Castillo: "This is a career I chose many years ago, and I didn’t want the evil person who did this to me to win."
All three are now back on the beat. Six years and 24 surgeries after the shooting, Jody Wright speaks to others about her experiences.
Officer Jody Wright: "Would I change it? No. Because I know the dangers of the job. It’s something that we sign up for."
She hopes her experiences can help other officers get "Back on the Beat."
All three officers say their families and friends got them through their recovery process. Facing death makes them cherish life every day.