Sgt. Rick Hales knew once he got to the Shepherd Center he’d come out walking.
And walk he did.
Hales was paralyzed from the neck down in February after he was ejected from his patrol car in a Pickens County wreck, Channel 2 Action News reported. He was taken to the Sheppard Center in Atlanta.
Hales’ has had a few milestones during his recovery.
In March, Hales, still recovering, stood and presented his son, Michael, with a badge and promotion at the Holly Springs Police Department.
He took his first steps in April.
Now, he’s planning his next move – a return to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
“I don’t remember a single day ever that I was feeling self-pity or depressed. I felt great,” Hales told Channel 2 Friday. “I felt good about it. I felt there was a reason for this.”
Hales and his wife are moving to an apartment near the center as he completes his next round of physical therapy.
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