Video: Lowndes County Deputies Are Back On The Job

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — It was four months ago when two veteran deputies were shot in the line of duty.

Now, they return back to work with open arms.

Back on March 18th, a routine Welfare Check at a Drake Circle home turned into a gunbattle which left the two deputies suffering from gunshot wounds.

Since then the deputies have been at home recovering.

Now, the deputies back and believe they’re stronger than ever.

“I’m excited and thankful that they are finally back and we wanted to do something for them special today and recognize them and present them some awards,” says Sheriff Mike Arledge.

Swearingen and Sims both received a medal of valor and the Sheriff’s Purple Heart Award for their bravery 0n that day.

But they weren’t the only ones recognized for their team work. Other deputies, emergency responders and 911 dispatchers also received awards for their fast response.

911 Dispacther, Katrena Harris remembers the moment she got the call.

“Dispatcher mode kicked in like fight or flight and so I just began to be to want to get them all the help that I could. I wasn’t thinking about myself at the time and it was all about them because we wanted them into safety,” says Katrena Harris.

Lt. Clint Sims says he wouldn’t be alive without the unity from all those who were involved.

“Thought I actually was going to die in that drive way that day but my brothers helped that day. The EMS personnel was outstanding. I can’t thank them enough,” says Clint Sims.

With the support from the community and welcoming smiles, Larry Swearingen says he is touched.

“This whole thing has been overwhelming from start to finish and the support we got that day and throughout since then has been overwhelming,” says Larry Swearingen.

Both deputies want to thank everyone for the support through recovery.

“Just appreciate everything. Glad to be here,” says Swearingen.

“Tell the community thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” says Sims.

Both deputies say they have no fear being back on the job.