Deputy says he survived July shooting ‘by the grace of God’
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A Richmond County deputy is sharing his story for the first time since he was shot in the line of duty eight months ago.
In July 2023, Deputy Kenneth Mercer was on call about a man armed with a gun when he was shot.
Since then, Mercer has undergone a journey of recovery with family, friends and law enforcement by his side.
On Wednesday, the Shepeard Community Blood Center held its inaugural Top 20 Appreciation Luncheon. The event honored the 20 organizations in the region that collected the most blood last year.
The blood supplied to Mercer from donors potentially saved his life.
EARLIER COVERAGE:
- ‘A deputy needed help’: 150 bikers ride for Richmond County officer
- Shepeard to host blood drive for deputy shot in downtown Augusta
- 911 calls tell story of clash that injured cop, killed homeless man
- Friends continue to pray for deputy shot in downtown Augusta
- Colleagues pulling for injured deputy, who’s always loved the job
Mercer was the keynote speaker and shared his story to encourage others to give back.
There aren’t many who live to tell their story of survival. Mercer says he never pictured himself in the place he is in.
“By the grace of God I’m here,” said Mercer. “I never could imagine almost doing this for 30 years and on the tail end of my career, this happening and kind of turning my life upside down.”
What took only a matter of seconds that one summer morning left him with injuries for life.
“I was shot once and left side of my neck, which struck my carotid artery and stroke vertebrates, my back fracture, my rear shoulder blade,” said Mercer. “And then collapsed my lung.”
Lucky doesn’t even begin to describe him.
“I think this is the best way for me to give back to what they’ve done for me,” he said.
Some of the people at the luncheon provided the blood that potentially saved Mercer’s life.
“It kind of gave me a purpose, that what I did over all these years wasn’t for nothing,” said Mercer.
From blood drives to motorcycle rides, his impact is widespread.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience to have the from the community and the residents of Richmond County and other law enforcement friends I have throughout other agencies come to me. It’s really been heartfelt,” said Mercer.
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