Brevard County deputy shot during raid meets doctors who saved his life

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County deputy who was shot during a prostitution raid last year got to meet the doctors who saved his life.

Deputy Casey Smith walked on his own into Weusthoff Medical Center and thanked the team who kept him alive.

Smith was critically injured in August 2015 during a prostitution bust in Port St. John.

John Derossett, 65, is facing charges in the case.

Smith said it took days after the accident for him to realize what had happened.

Doctors said Smith’s situation was grave.

“Truthfully, it was about as grim as it could be. Casey arrived in cardiac arrest (and) was being actively resuscitated by the tremendous team here,” said Dr. Robert Beatty.

Smith was stabilized for what would become the first of many surgeries.

“You take for granted all the little things you can do--just being able to get back to walking, being able to shower and take care of yourself,” said Smith.

Smith recently underwent what he hopes is his last surgery and plans to return to duty.

“He’s an incredible part of our agency, an incredible man and quite honestly, it took that to get through the ordeal he’s been through,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Smith could return to duty in three months.

Cox Media Group