FORNEY, Texas — A Kaufman County stationed Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who was shot on Friday while on a Texas-Mexico border assignment is preparing to be released from a McAllen-area hospital to return home to Forney.
FORNEY, Texas — A Kaufman County stationed Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who was shot on Friday while on a Texas-Mexico border assignment is preparing to be released from a McAllen-area hospital to return home to Forney.
Shortly before 1 p.m., on Friday, November 25, 2016, Trooper III Danny Shaw was shot near the Rio Grande river in Fronton, Texas, which is located in Starr County approximately 105 miles northwest of Brownsville, Texas. A Border Patrol agent was also shot in the same incident.
The shooting incident occurred after a firefight erupted on the Mexico side of the Rio Grande. Officials have not confirmed if Shaw and the Border Patrol agent were intentionally shot or were struck by errant bullets.
In a statement to inForney.com, Shaw’s wife, Melissa, says the bullet entered Danny’s pelvic area and exited his right thigh. Danny currently has no feeling below his mid-calf in his right leg — something doctors tell the Shaws may return after physical therapy.
Melissa says the family is preparing for their release from the McAllen-area hospital for their return home to Forney.
“[Danny] is doing well, in good spirits, and feeling very blessed,” she said. “His doctor said he is one very lucky man.”
Danny, who is a Forney High School graduate, gives thanks to his rookie partner, Brandon Zellous, along with Border Patrol, who he says shielded him and helped him to safety until a DPS helicopter could land and transport him to the hospital in the midst of the firefight.
Danny was able to personally thank several members involved in his evacuation including the DPS flight crew which visited him in the hospital.
“The love and brotherhood these men have for each other is unbreakable,” said Melissa. “We are so thankful for our DPS family.”
“I must say, being in the midst of what seemed like a tornado, our Texas Tan support was fierce,” she said. “From the moment we found out, DPS was at my side.”
“Thank you all for being there for him in his time of need and for being there for us,” she said.
Line-of-duty injuries are an unfortunate reality for the Shaw family.
Danny’s younger brother, Dallas County Community College District Police Department Corporal Bryan Shaw, was injured in the line of duty during a deadly shooting in Dallas, Texas, in July 2016 where five officers were killed.
Bryan and another officer, John Abbott, who was also wounded, warded off the shooter, Micah Xavier Johnson, from entering El Centro College through a glass door.
“Please keep our family in your prayers, especially his parents longtime Forney residents, Danny and Nancy Shaw,” she said. “God was with both of these men and we give glory to God for keeping them safe and here with us.”
Danny, who previously worked for four-and-a-half years at the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department as a K9 officer, and Melissa have been married for 15 years this year and have three children, two boys and a girl.
“We are very thankful for our family on the home front for stepping in and taking care of our kids while we are here with Dan in the hospital,” said Melissa.
At times like these, Melissa says she is reminded of Matthew 5:9 which reads, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”