Deputy Bryan Hicks continues to show progress three years after shooting
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – In September of 2021, Posey County Deputy Bryan Hicks nearly lost his life when he was shot while responding to a welfare check. After years of fighting, physical therapy, life adjustments and so much more, Deputy Hicks and his wife, Tammy, joined Jessica Costello in the Brad Byrd Studio for an update.
Alive Anniversary
On September 18, 2021, Deputy Hicks was shot while responding to a welfare check in the 600 block of Short Street in New Harmony. Officials say the homeowner, 70-year-old Paul Wiltshire, began firing at authorities outside the home, striking Deputy Hicks and critically injuring him. Wiltshire was charged with attempted murder, but he died from complications of COVID-19 .
Three years later, Deputy Hicks is still alive, and his wife Tammy says she is proud of the progress he has made through physical therapy.
"Just to see him being more independent, and just get that self-confidence and self-esteem ... to go out in the community without me and be successful ... so proud of him."
Tammy says that although Bryan has some trouble with aphasia, he has been able to have more full conversations when he is more comfortable. He has also returned to some outdoor tasks, and is even working with an instructor to be able to shoot a gun using his left hand.
Community support extends past the Tri-State
Over the years, the community in Posey County has helped raise money for Deputy Hicks, and celebrated his recovery. But Tammy says that support for Bryan has gone far outside the Tri-State.
Deputy Hicks throws first pitch at St. Louis Cardinals game
"We were in Louisville not too long ago for a doctor's appointment," said Tammy. "And we stopped in a store, and we mentioned we were from Posey County. "The guy waiting on us was like 'Oh I lived in Evansville for like 30 years, I know exactly where Posey County is ... you look really familiar.' And Bryan told him he was the policeman who was shot. This man in Louisville recognized him. It's just really gotten further than just the Tri-State."
Looking ahead
The two also discussed what will come next for helping Bryan, including the use of a "bionic arm" that helps complete action based on movements of his arm.
During the interview, Tammy said Bryan may work in the future to help motivate others going through similar struggles.
Previous: Deputy Bryan Hicks showing "miraculous" recovery two years later
"We have come in contact with a lot of police officers that are in Bryan's situation or similar situations, but they don't have Bryan's drive. They feel like they just want to quit. Bryan has reached out to some police officers and tried to help them. I think he's more of a motivator than he realizes. He has a hidden talent that he doesn't think he has.
You can watch their full interview in the video player above.
