Hundreds Show Support For Deputy Fighting For His Life
PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) - Douglas County Detective Dan Brite is still in critical condition, and while he's unable to leave his hospital bed at this time, the community came to him Sunday to pray for his recovery.
Detective Brite was injured in the line of duty more than a week ago during a shootout with a suicidal man.
Hundreds rallied around Parker Adventist Hospital to pray outside Brite's room.
"He charged in, and ran to the fight," said Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock. "He didn't stop. He was the first guy to go in and the community knows that."
The Parker Hawks football team dedicated their game ball to Brite. Coach Jason White says the event shows his boys what Brite's sacrifice really means.
"It's important for these guys to understand that all of this is bigger than we are," said White. "We can go out there and play a game that we love because of people like him."
Family and friends in Brite's room watched from above as the community stood in silence.
"It was incredibly motivating to see how willing people were to come out on a Sunday and support someone they've never met," said Parker Mayor Mike Waid.
Sheriff Spurlock says Brite cannot speak or communicate, but is showing signs of responsiveness and is getting better by the day.
Andrea Flores is a reporter for CBS4. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @AndreaFloresTV.