John “Casey” Smith, a Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy, has devoted his life to protecting the community. On the night of August 20, 2015, a tragic turn of events left him needing the people he normally serves and protects to save him.

Deputy Smith was involved in an investigation when things went terribly wrong. A suspect fired several shots at the Deputy, and although he was wearing a bulletproof vest, Smith was hit several times. A bullet to his lower abdomen caused extensive internal injuries that resulted in a life-threatening loss of blood.

He was rushed to Wuestoff Medical Center and then airlifted to the level one trauma unit at Orlando Regional Medical Center. EMS workers on the scene said Deputy Smith’s condition was “as grim as it gets.” He needed ten surgeries and multiple blood transfusions to save his life.

In response, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued an immediate public appeal for blood donations. Brevard and Orange County communities rallied, holding special blood drives in honor of Deputy Smith with an overwhelming response. Smith’s fellow law enforcement officers and local donors, who became first responders themselves, came out in droves to roll up their sleeves and give blood. 

Thanks to the community’s life-saving response, including blood that was donated and available prior to his shooting, Deputy Smith is alive today and continues to protect and serve his community.