In His Own Words: Deputy Jeremy Cassady, Shot Two Years Ago, Retires

October 31, 2012

Former Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremy Cassady, who was shot in the line of duty, has announced his retirement.

He made the announcement Monday on his Facebook page, two years to the day he was shot. Two other deputies and a female were shot that day on Baywind Circle.  Phillip Monier was found guilty on eight counts including attempted murder, assault and kidnapping. Cassady later received a kidney and pancreas transplant.

“I am, however, convinced that I survived for a reason, God has a plan for me and I am anxious to see what the future holds,” Cassady wrote.

Below, Cassady explains his retirement decision, in his own, unedited words….

As everyone knows two years ago today my life, as well as my families life was altered forever. Due to the extent of my injuries suffered from that day, I was forced to take a medical retirement and today is my last day as a law enforcement officer. I just would like to say that if I could go back and change anything about that day I wouldn’t. I made a conscience decision to protect my fellow officers that day, as well as an unknown “citizen”. That was the oath I took and growing up in law enforcement helped me Carry out this act. I knew when I stepped into that bedroom that day that it wasn’t going to end well and I did everything I could possibly do to protect everyone in that room, so I rest easy.

Also while I’m at it I have to thank god. I thank god, not for sparing my life that day. But for putting things in order and not harming anyone else more than they were hurt. That day was perfect, my team got me out of the storm, straight to ems, who got me straight to the trauma surgeon who was waiting on me when I arrived. Everything fell into place, and as a law enforcement office our goal is to go home when it’s all said and done. Well I’m not gonna say that it has been an easy two years but I eventually made it home, so I would say I completed my mission. I am however convinced that I survived for a reason, god has a plan for me and I am anxious to see what the future holds.

I could actually go on for days about the appreciation that I felt when I woke up and saw the love and support that the community provided towards my family, and myself I could not fail. At the emergency room it made me feel good that governor Crist was their alongside one of the poorest lady’s on Erres blvd, praying for god to save me. Yes people I will now join the ranks of the old timers, as well as the injured, tube I ain’t gone. I will jump in a cruiser with someone and still go visit my secret snitches, as well as irritate those that need it.

We won that day, but it was a great sacrifice, well worth the effort. You guys need to stop and take the time to realize what you have and how simple life really is, try not to take things for granted so much. On any given day you could end up like me. Appreciate what you have.

I have spent most of this day thinking about the team that day that did what was necessary to save my life, Josh, Kelly, Rick Vinson, and some poor trainee that was crying all over me as she clinched her gun shaking as the shooting continued, I remember and will always be in debt to you guys. Sam, Chad, Melody, Josh, we are not hero’s, but we are all Warriors that did what we had to do that day. Thank you all! What a great family we are at ECSO!!

To the family friends and unknown, I will never be able to say thanks enough for seeing my family, and friends through this tough time. I appreciate everyone that extended a hand in prayer, as well as provided a shoulder for my Wife, family and close friends to lean on when things looked so grim.

To my wife and family, I love you all, and frankly this is what we do! We are tough and we never walk alone into battle.

Comments

13 Responses to “In His Own Words: Deputy Jeremy Cassady, Shot Two Years Ago, Retires”

  1. DJSheffield on November 2nd, 2012 11:10 pm

    Jeremy you will always be a hero in many eyes, as well as your family. The oath and job you took is not one for most people. You are a awesome role model and continue to be, not just for us, but for all people who are dealing with tough trials within their lives. You are proof that anything and any situation is possible to overcome with a little faith, courage, strength, and determination. I pray that you and your family are continued to be blessed abundantly. God bless you for your service and your family for supporting your service to our communities.

  2. William on November 1st, 2012 10:23 pm

    >>>Was this story a cut and paste from another source… Not understanding why “God” is not capitalized in this story.

    “God” is capitalized in the upper portion of the story, which we wrote.

    It was not capitalized in the Facebook statement that Jeremy Cassady released. The story is labeled “in his own words” — we ran the story word for word exactly as he wrote it.

  3. livinmolino on November 1st, 2012 10:03 pm

    Nice story, God bless the Cassady family and thank him for his service!!!

    My question for Northescambia.com

    Was this story a cut and paste from another source… Not understanding why “God” is not capitalized in this story.

  4. JSCS on October 31st, 2012 10:40 pm

    Jeremy, Praying God’s richest blessings on you and your family.
    Have a wonderful life and enjoy all the good things God has waiting for you.

  5. Dawn on October 31st, 2012 3:32 pm

    What wonderful, heartfelt words. The Lord truly does have a plan for you. You are an inspiration to all of us. I am proud to be protected by such brave people as yourself. My prayer for you is a long and prosperous life in whatever you decide to do as you move forward. Thank you for your selfless service to our community and for keeping us safe by putting yourself in situations that so many of us fear. We, as a community, would be lost without the brave men and women of our police forces.
    Blessings to you and your family.
    ER Nurse

  6. avalon on October 31st, 2012 1:08 pm

    Thank you Jeremy and all the team at ECSO. We pray for your continued recovery and that God may guide you and your family as you start this new chapter of your lives.

  7. Eaglelover on October 31st, 2012 10:50 am

    Thank you Jeremy and all the law enforcement officers for all that you do. You risk your lives for the safety of all of us and often times it goes unappreciated. Please know that you had the prayers of a great number of people in your time of need. I am sure that this is a “bittersweet” time in your life but you know that God has a plan for you and that will help you successfully transition into the next phase of your life. May God continue to bless you and your family and again, thank you for your service.

  8. EMD on October 31st, 2012 10:14 am

    Thank you so much, Jeremy. May God richly bless you and others through you.

  9. Jay on October 31st, 2012 8:03 am

    Jeremy, I met you about a year ago at the “Circle of Life Event” at Pensacola Beach. I’m a retired LEO and I too was waiting a Kidney Transplant.. God truly has a plan for both of us as I got my transplant on 9/9/12. God will let us know the purpose for our lives in the future. God Bless You and your family.

  10. 429SCJ on October 31st, 2012 6:11 am

    Happiness, good health and a long life, thank you for your distinguished service Deputy Cassady. Godspeed.

  11. Jane on October 31st, 2012 4:40 am

    Well said! Thank you for all your efforts and the protection you gave so many. Bless you and I hope you have a great life!

  12. bigbill1961 on October 31st, 2012 2:31 am

    You are absolutely a hero and a role model. Your selfless dedication to the profession you chose was exemplary. May God bless you as you begin a new chapter in your life.

  13. Kimistry on October 31st, 2012 2:21 am

    I will continue to pray for him, and everyone who’s lives were affected by that day.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News