JOPLIN, Mo. – Officer Rick Hirshey was critically injured during an officer-involved-shooting on March 8, 2022. Tragically two other officers, Cpl Ben Cooper and Ofc Jake Reed, died of injuries sustained during the incident with a now-deceased subject.
Ofc Hirshey has been recovering since his release from the hospital and has now been released to light duty status the Joplin Police Dept state.
“The Joplin Police Department is happy to announce that Officer Rick Hirshey has been cleared to return to work on light duty status and reported back to JPD.” – Capt William Davis, PIO
He is not cleared for full enforcement duties, however as of Monday, June 20, he is now assisting with administrative duties at the department.
THE JOURNEY TO WELLNESS
Ofc Hirshey was hospitalized for 8 days before being discharged and has spent the last 96 days at home recovering and healing from his wounds. “We are proud to welcome him back and wish him the best as he continues his recovery process to get back to full duty,” Joplin Police state in a release of information.
Ofc Hirshey has made public appearances during his recovery to raise money for the fallen two officers. He threw out the first pitch recently at a Joplin Outlaws baseball game.
> RELATED: Running 4 Heroes Memorial Run raising money for fallen Joplin officers
He made an appearance at the Bright Futures, Guns and Hoses Charity Basketball Event. And he posed for photos at the Running 4 Heroes event in late April.
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