PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Family, friends and fellow officers celebrated as Port St. Lucie police Sgt. Erik Levasseur received a Purple Heart on Wednesday.
It happened during the Port St Lucie Police Department's 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony at the MidFlorida Event Center.
“Every person in this room had a part in my recovery,” said Levasseur.
WATCH: Sergeant wounded in line of duty receives Purple Heart
Levasseur told WPTV Reporter Tyler Hatfield that he’s grateful for the honor now wrapped around his neck.
“It's very overwhelming, and the support I got from this whole thing, I hate to say it again but it’s overwhelming,” said Levasseur.
Sgt. Levasseur was shot in the face while responding to a call in the 11000 block of Southwest Lake Park Drive on Dec. 1. The 27-year veteran had multiple surgeries to repair facial injuries, had a wired jaw and was relying on a tracheotomy, according to police.
He also had two surgeries to remove bullet fragments from his eyes.
WATCH: Sgt. Levasseur speaks about recovery
In early January, more than a month after the shooting, Sgt. Levasseur was released from the hospital.
Dr. David Rubay from HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital operated on Levasseur the night he was shot. Now he's seeing his patient, a hero, thriving outside the hospital walls.
“He's able to talk and communicate with no deficit. That's phenomenal. That's a miracle,” said Rubay.
It was also an emotional day for Chief Leo Niemczyk.
“I was very fearful that we might not have another day with Sergeant Levasseur," said Niemczyk. “His internal courage and fortitude to push through this has been something that we should all model ourselves after.”
Levasseur said he is focused on getting back to protecting and serving.
“It’s going to be a long time before I can come back,” said Levasseur. “But I am very eager to get back to work.”
