A deadly bacteria almost killed a Jacksonville Sheriff's officer, but now he's back at work and on the road to recovery.
Twenty-year JSO veteran Dennis Godfrey cut his leg while working during Hurricane Matthew. A huge gust of wind blew his patrol cruiser’s door onto his right shin.
After the hurricane, Godfrey went fishing. He now knows his wound wasn’t fully healed and that’s when he contracted Vibrio.
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Godfrey wants to bring more awareness to Vibrio. It’s a bacteria found in salt or brackish water that can cause a deadly skin infection if it comes into contact with even the tiniest open wound.
Godfrey's leg couldn't be saved and it was amputated.
“I died twice in the hospital, but I’m lucky to be here and I’m blessed to be here. The power of prayer is just amazing,” Godfrey said.
Godfrey is now doing detective work and is incredibly active with his new prosthetic leg. He rides his bike, works out and goes to rehab, hoping to jog someday soon.
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He said he’s not taking this second chance for granted.
“I’m not just doing this for myself ... the recovery. I want to be an inspiration to others so that I can go and help them get through their ordeal if they will so have me,” Godfrey said.
Cox Media Group
