LARGO, Fla. — He was seriously injured in the line of duty after deputies say a driver ran him down, but now more than a month later, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Corporal Carlo Brito is finally back in his home.
Bells were ringing outside Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo on Tuesday as Brito took his first strides home, leaving the hospital after 45 days. Brito took time to hug and thank family, colleagues and the medical staff that helped guide his amazing and ongoing recovery.
Alongside Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Deputy Manny Santo, Brito spoke publicly for the first time.
"I appreciate all the support everybody's given to us," he said. "To me, my family and Santos and his family. I want people to know, I know it’s very cliché, that deputies become cops to serve and protect, but it is true."
Brito and Santos were severely injured last month. The disturbing video shows when deputies say Ralph Bouzy intentionally crashed a car into them while they were responding to a mental health call in Brandon.
"The day I got up I was the only one awake in my house besides my little baby," Brito recalled. "She just said 'dada’ and I went to work with the guys."
Brito’s thankful he’s still alive for more moments like that as he heads home in time for the holiday.
Chronister called it the ultimate Christmas gift.
“Yes, they have a long road and a difficult road to recovery, but the two of these deputies continue to amaze me with their strength and their courage each and every day as they approach this difficult rehabilitative process."
Both men say they hope to be back serving the community in time.
"[Santos] says six months. I'm gonna say five months and 30 days, I gotta beat him,” Brito joked about his possible return, then noting it depends on how much progress he makes with his injured leg.
Tuesday was a big step towards that goal and a reminder of why they put on the uniform.
“This outpouring of love and support that we're witnessing today and that we continue to witness each and every day, it's what makes us be able to kiss our loved ones and say goodbye and go out to the shift ahead not knowing what that shifts going to entail,” Chronister said.
Bouzy is being held without bond and is facing several charges including three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
In court earlier this month, a judge ruled he is not mentally competent to stand trial. He was sent to a secure hospital for the time being.