Scottsboro officer returns home from the hospital weeks after injured in the line of duty

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Thursday night was special in the city of Scottsboro.

A police officer injured in the line of duty last month is finally back home in the valley.

Lieutenant Derek Porch has been away from home for almost two weeks now, undergoing treatment for injuries he sustained during the search for a domestic violence suspect.

We’ve been told he was hit in his left hand and that the damage was significant.

Lieutenant Derek Porch is finally home and with his family.

People in Scottsboro lined the streets tonight as he was escorted back from an out-of-state medical facility where he received treatment.

Brothers Rick and Randy Stewart came down to the Jackson County square among people to cheer, wave flags, and salute Lieutenant Porch’s arrival.

“So we’re just thankful to the good Lord above that he’s come home,” Rick said.

Police Chief Greg Godfrey said when he saw Porch before crossing the state line, he looked exhausted but was excited to be going home.

Lieutenant Porch was shot after a chase in the early morning hours of July 28th, rushed to the hospital, and hasn’t been home until tonight.

“Praying he didn’t lose his hand. That he didn’t lose his life. He has a wife and children, and that’s what we were praying for,” Rick said.

That shooting sparked a manhunt that lasted nearly 24 hours before the suspect was finally caught.

The Stewarts said they didn’t know Porch personally, but they prayed for him all the time, and tonight was very special to them.

“We live in a great country and a great community, and it’s good to see everyone come out and support somebody that went through what Derek went through,” Randy said.

We are told Lieutenant Porch will have to go back for check-ups, but as for now, he is home and with his family.

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