An injured Florida deputy is still defying the odds after a strange accident left him momentarily paralyzed more than two years ago.
But this week, after believing he would never walk again, Master Deputy Harold ‘Hal’ Davis walked into his retirement celebration with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office published footage on X that shows Davis walking unassisted inside the party.
He retired on August 30th, after 32 years in law enforcement.
Davis was engaged in a yard work accident in March 2022.
He was pruning a tree branch with a 10-foot ladder when it abruptly swung toward him rather than away. He was knocked to the ground and sustained severe spinal cord damage, rendering him unable to breathe.
His wife, who had been holding the ladder, shouted for help and performed CPR before rushing him to the hospital.
He was originally disabled and instructed to prepare for life in a wheelchair. According to updates on the family’s GoFundMe page, he made a full recovery within months and was able to move by October.
In fact, after a year of intensive therapy, he regained enough movement to lead his daughter down the aisle with considerable assistance in March 2023.
Davis departed after 17 years at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
“Throughout his recovery, Hal was determined to walk again and finish his career with OCSO,” a memo from the office read.
“And what a rewarding career it has been! Hal worked as a Court Security Deputy in Orange County and is currently training to become a certified instructor. He was also a member of the Court Security Response Team and was recognized for training judges and state lawyers on courtroom safety.
