NEW HAVEN, Mo. – A police officer is making a big comeback after he was shot and nearly killed two years ago.

Adam Sullentrup, 33, now serves in a public relations role for the New Haven Police Department.

Sullentrup and his partner, Detective. Sgt. Mason Griffith, were both shot while trying to arrest a suspect at a convenience store March 12, 2023. Griffith did not survive.

The officer spent days in the ICU for a traumatic brain injury and was then transferred to a specialized hospital in Colorado for intensive medical treatment and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Sullentrup’s recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. He re-learned how to speak and walk, two things that seemed unimaginable even a year ago.

“Two years of improvements; every week is something new,” his wife, Michelle, said.

His speech and some physical movements are limited, but he is making noticeable progress. Adam Sullentrup has managed to master seemingly ordinary things.

“Things you take for granted,” Michelle said. “Getting up in the morning, brushing your teeth, taking your shower, making your meals, it just takes some encouragement, and reminding. And supervision, to get those things completed. But he can do it,” she said.

Another thing he can do is inspire others.

New Haven Police Chief Christopher Neace approached the Sullentrups late last year about the possibility of Adam coming on board.

“That’s what I told him when I met with him. Unfortunately, your career was taken from you, but I’m going to give it back to you, as much as possible,” Neace said.

It was an offer the injured officer eagerly accepted.

In his public relations role with the police department, Adam Sullentrup appears at events, from Shop with a Hero to Valentine’s Day visits at retirement homes.

“He is a beacon of hope for the town, and law enforcement in general. With his resilience and perseverance,” said.

The days can be challenging, as Michelle now shoulders the responsibility of caring for herself – and her husband. But she said family, friends, and the community have stepped up to support them on Adam’s road to recovery. The BackStoppers is among the organizations that has helped the Sullentrups.

“I’m very, very thankful,” she said.