"We've got blood on De Veaux."
Those are words Corporal Lyonelle De Veaux will never forget. It has been nearly 13 years since her life changed forever. A patrol deputy at the time, De Veaux was responding to a call for service involving domestic violence in Carrollwood, just off Waters Avenue, where she was shot three times.
In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, De Veaux spoke about what her family - at home and here at HCSO - means to her and how she has used a tragic night in her life as a source of light.
"Corporal De Veaux stands today as an inspiration to all members of teamHCSO," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the men and women here at HCSO who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our wonderful community."
De Veaux recalls arriving at the apartment complex, meeting a woman in distress, and being fired upon by the woman's boyfriend, who had a gun concealed under his shirt.
"The first shot went into my thigh, the second shot went through the shoulder, and the last shot went through my calf as I was running," said De Veaux. "When I got to safety, I started walking in a circle and praying until deputies showed up."
When describing how she feels today, she says she does not feel hatred towards the man who shot her.
"The woman who my parents raised me to be is to see past people's flaws," said De Veaux. "How can I expect forgiveness of myself if I cannot forgive someone else for the wrongs they do to me?"
De Veaux started with HCSO in 2006 and is now in the Community Outreach Division, fostering meaningful relationships throughout our region.