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Paralyzed detective talks about recovery, surprise fundraiser to buy new wheelchair

Det. Brite is grateful for all the support
Posted at 9:54 PM, Sep 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-28 00:57:00-04

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. -- Detective Dan Brite is back at work full-time after being shot in the line of duty. The shooting left him paralyzed from the waist down and he still has bullet fragments from an AK-47 in his back. 

The Douglas County deputy spent three and-a-half months in the hospital after a suicidal man opened fire on deputies last September. Brite recently marked the anniversary of the incident as his recovery continues. 

Several organizations have been quietly trying to raise money to buy Det. Brite a new all-terrain wheelchair. He recently found out about their efforts to purchase this life-changing device.

"I had no idea," said Det. Brite. He explained the impact, "Just the freedom and independence of not sticking to the concrete and being able to go where I want to go and be outdoors where I want to be."

A former officer injured on the job in 2014 is leading the effort to buy Brite an Action Track Wheelchair. John Adsit started his own foundation after receiving an outpouring of community support, he wants to pay it forward.

Adsit, who was hit by a car and dragged, reached out to Brite after he was injured. They have developed a friendship.

The organization Adsit Strong is working with the MC-1 Foundation and Shield 616 to raise funds. Adsit Strong is accepting donations online for the new wheelchair. The MC-1 Foundation is hosting a motorcycle rally on September 30 to raise money.

Registration for the rally begins at Columbine High School at 8 a.m. and the first bike will leave around 10 a.m. On-site registration is available for $25. It will end at the Hoffbrau Bar and Grill.