BURLESON COUNTY, Texas — As Burleson County Chief Deputy John Pollock continues to recover after being shot, the family is asking for the public's financial help with medical costs.
The family is stating funds collected will go towards accommodating their home for his recovery and for potential extra surgeries down the road.
Pollock was shot in the face while attempting to serve a warrant last week, leaving extensive damage to his jaw area.
He has since been discharged from the hospital and was given a special police escort back to the Pollock family home in Snook.
However, the road to recovery is ongoing. In Pollock's first post-surgery consultation on Wednesday, he was informed that he will need to have his mouth wired shut for at least six weeks and that he will need to wear an external fixator for three months.
"Dr. Garrett advised me that he was able to piece together some bone, hopefully enough for the bone to naturally grow together," said Pollock. "If the bone does not mend correctly other surgeries will possibly be needed to graft some bone in that area."
Pollock said in a post that his doctor also informed him that bullet fragments were pulled out of his neck all the way down to his collar bone line. Other surgeries may be needed if the bone does not mend correctly.
"I am thankful to be alive so a bullet hole in my jaw, my jaw wired shut and a device holding it all together is easy," said Pollock. "A few inches either way and this would have been a much different outcome."
However, Pollock said he remains filled with gratitude and was happy to be next door to the hospital room of Joshua Strawn, a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper who was also injured in the shooting.
"I am happy to report I will return to work this Monday," said Pollock. "I am excited about the opportunity to get things back to normal, or as close as I can for now, and continue to serve with Sheriff Hermes in service of the citizens of Burleson County."
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Below is a statement from the Pollock family:
Burleson County Chief Deputy John Pollock was injured, Tuesday, August 17 while trying to serve a warrant at a home in Burleson County. He suffered a serious gunshot wound that resulted in extensive damage to the jaw area. John underwent surgery at St Joseph hospital in Bryan Wednesday and although the surgery went well, only time will tell if things will heal properly. If not, there is the possibility of other surgeries down the road.
John had an extensive career with the Brazos County Sheriff's Office and attained the rank of Patrol Lieutenant before beginning his career with the Burleson County Sheriff's Office as Chief Deputy. He is known across the Brazos Valley for serving and protecting the community, but his friends and colleagues describe him as much more than the badge he wears. John is a friend to the public whether he has his badge on or not.
We have started this Go Fund Me to help ease the burden a bit. The next days, weeks, and months ahead will be long and tiresome. John will likely need some modifications at home to help him sleep comfortably as he heals. We ask that you please share this link with friends and family and help support this man that so selflessly serves and protects our community.
Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support!
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