MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Clarksdale Cpl. Derrick Couch returned home Wednesday. Law enforcement from across the Mid-South escorted him home with lights on, forming a “Sea of Blue.”
Couch was shot in the face in February, following a robbery at Corner Grocery in Clarksdale.
Wednesday, Couch waved to the crowd outside Regional Medical Center, gathered to see him off.
“As you can tell, I’m happy. I was here the night that it happened. I mean, it was the first time that ever happened in Clarksdale,” said Clarksdale Police Chief William Read.
“When you leave home in the morning, you’ve got to say to yourself, ‘I’ve got to get back home.’ That’s what it’s all about, and Couch, wonderful guy,” said Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Otis Griffin.
Couch lost his left eye and suffered other injuries.
Since then, he has been in speech, occupational and physical therapy.
He and his wife, Renita, spoke with WREG Tuesday about how far he has come.
Renita said, “I can see the frustration with him sometimes, because when you’re used to doing something and got to relearn it over, I tell him, I say one word and he’ll finish it. I say, ‘The joy of the Lord…'”
“Is my strength,” Couch responded.
WREG counted at least a dozen agencies that took part in the Sea of Blue for Couch.
When Couch arrived home, fellow law enforcement gave him a check to help with expenses.
It was a show of support the hero will never forget.
There will be a benefit concert for Couch Friday at Ground Zero in Clarksdale.
Right now, two men face charges in connection to the shooting and robbery.
