CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy who was shot in the line of duty was honored Tuesday.
A special ceremony was held at the Clay County Courthouse where the Police Merit Board presented deputy Brison Swearingen with a Wounded in Combat medal and plaque.
The honor is due to Swearingen’s actions during a situation on December 3 of last year as he and two other deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Joe Hoffman, who faced felony charges out of Vigo County.
Police say as they tried to arrest Hoffman he shot Swearingen with a shotgun, the buckshot from the gun hit Swearingen in the legs.
“It’s been a long process,” said Deputy Brison Swearingen. “I’ve been off almost 4 months. It’s good to get back in the swing of things. I’m ready to get back to full duty. We’re not sure when that’s going to be, but we’re hopeful in the next couple of months.”
Swearingen just returned to work yesterday in a limited capacity. The suspect in the situation was arrested following the shooting.
