By Jim Wallace - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - An Albany Police Officer, shot while chasing a man suspected of selling drugs, is honored with the First Responders version of the Purple Heart.
Detective Tim Harvey accepted the purple heart award for his fellow APD officers and all law enforcement.
Police officers and other first responders never know when an emergency could put their life on line doing their job, so the Military Order of the Purple Heart wants to make sure that Police Officers like Tim Harvey, wounded in the line of duty, know they are appreciated.
"We salute you brother." 27 year old Albany Police Detective Tim Harvey is presented the Military Order of the Purple Heart, with his family and co-workers looking on.
June 17th, 2008 Harvey was shot in the left leg when he tried to talk to a suspicious man on a bicycle on 8th Avenue. 18 year old Johnny Hill was arrested a day later. Harvey spent months in rehab before returning to work, never thinking about quitting or another line of work.
Detective Tim Harvey said "It's what I do, it's who I am."
Today his family and girlfriend were thankful he has recovered from his wounds.
His Father, Ben Harvey said "Our family is glad that he made it through alive. And he is OK and is still with us. This whole day just means we are busting with pride for him."
And city leaders are glad that men and women like Harvey are willing to stand guard over the community as Police Officers.
City Manager Al Lott said "It certainly a courage involved with running down an alley chasing bad guys, who you don't know if they have guns or not."
Albany Police Chief John Proctor said "You trust in the Good Lord that you are going to come back. All I want to do is thank you for your service. Continue to keep the faith and stay strong."
The Military Order of the Purple Heart for four years has been making sure Officers wounded in the line of duty receive thanks for their work.
Jim Yancey said "People in the community, they wouldn't know how to act if they couldn't pick up the phone and call 9-1-1."
Tim Harvey said he accepted the honor for his second family in law enforcement, because it's not everyday that cops get compliments or thanks.
Harvey said "Like you said, a lot of times we hear we are being knocked or down sized instead of being talked up, so every little bit helps."
The man charged with shooting Harvey, Johnny Hill, remains in jail awaiting trial.
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