ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando police officer who was shot in the head in 2018 is beginning to show signs of improvement, according to his family.
Officer Kevin Valencia’s wife Meghan Valencia said that a few days ago he began interacting with her by rubbing her hand and giving her a kiss.
“She asks that we continue to keep Kevin and the family in our prayers,” the Orlando Police Department said in a statement.
Officer Kevin Valencia Retires from the Orlando Police DepartmentToday Officer Kevin Valencia's retirement plaque and city proclamation were presented to his wife Meghan Valencia. He was also awarded the prestigious purple heart, an award that has only been given to a select few over its history. Before the incident that impacted his life and his family, he spoke of interest in becoming a K-9 handler. So today, we also presented a plaque awarding him honorary K9 Handler. Meghan would like to share with her OPD family that Kevin is beginning to show signs of improvement. A few days ago he began interacting with Meghan by rubbing her head and giving her a kiss. She asks that we continue to keep Kevin and the family in our prayers.
Posted by Orlando Police Department on Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Valencia suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was shot in the head during a hostage situation.
On Tuesday, Valencia was officially retired. His fellow officers applauded his wife after she accepted his retirement plaque and city proclamation.
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Valencia was also presented with a plaque naming him an honorary K-9 handler. Before the incident, Valencia said he was interested in becoming a K-9 handler. He also received a Purple Heart.
In March, Valencia received a full disability pension from the Orlando Police Department, providing him and his family with money for the rest of their lives.
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