Injured Buchanan County Deputy Returns Home

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BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. -- A homecoming is taking place this evening in Buchanan County, Virginia.

Nearly three months ago a deadly shooting killed two sheriff's deputies and injured two more. Today, Deputy Shane Charles will return home for the first time since March 13.

It's a bittersweet day for the people of Buchanan County, Virginia. Their hearts are still heavy from losing Deputies Neil Justus and Billy Stiltner in March. But today, they're welcoming home Deputy Shane Charles with open arms.

Close to three months later, after several surgeries, rehabilitation and a lot of prayers Deputy Shane Charles and his crew made the trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Buchanan County, Virginia. Riding in his blue truck,Deputy Charles stopped in Bristol, Virginia and was greeted by a welcoming crowd, including about two dozen law enforcement officers from around the region.

Buchanan County, VA Sheriff Ray Foster says, "It means a lot to Shane and my office to see them and the support that keeps coming into my office."

Buchanan County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Rasnake, who was also injured in March 13th's shooting, was on hand to greet his best friend.'

Sheriff Foster says, "Eric has been an inspiration to us, to the county and I'm really looking forward to seeing him and getting him home."

Rasnake says he hopes to return to work soon, while Charles realizes there's still some recovery ahead of him, but he'll be doing the rehabilitation with his family, friends and the community by his side, including some new friends from Georgia.

Cobb County, GA Detective Steven Gaynor says, "I love the man. Hhe's like my brother or my son and we've been friends ever since that first day he got down there and I stayed with him the whole time."

Sheriff Ray Foster now wears a black and blue bracelet with the names of deputies Neal Justus and Billy Stiltner who died in the shootings.

Foster says his department is working to heal, but they've also realized through this tragedy what a strong group law enforcement is, "When you knit it together and hold together that big of a family, it's not just a line, it's a rope."

It's a tight-knit group that's going to be there to support Officer Shane Charles on his road to recovery.

In addition to a police escort on his entire trip from Georgia to Virginia, Officer Shane Charles will be coming home to a community dinner and reception Thursday evening at Riverview School

There are some heartless people out there.....Be careful...

home shane

home Shane. Our prayers will continue to go out to you, your family & familys of your fallen hero partners. May God bless you with a speedy recovery our friend.

Welcome home Shane.