VAN BUREN — A week after being shot multiple times while attempting to serve an eviction notice, Carter County Deputy Brigg Pierson remains hospitalized, but is progressing in his recovery.
“I spoke with him (Thursday) night,” Carter County Sheriff Rick Stephens said. “He’s hanging in there. He’s tired and in an extreme amount of pain.”
Stephens said Pierson remains in the St. Louis hospital, where he was flown on Friday, Aug. 16, for treatment.
“He’s no longer in the ICU,” Stephens said. “He is progressing and progressing well.”
Pierson was shot multiple times in the chest, groin and leg as he was kicking in the door of the Highway M home occupied by James D. Cummings.
Pierson, another deputy and three Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers had gone to Cummings’ residence to serve a “court order to remove (him) from the property per the judgement,” according to earlier reports.
As Pierson kicked the door open, Cummings allegedly began to fire.
Also hit was Trooper Caleb McCoy, who was shot once in the chest.
McCoy was taken to an area hospital, where he was treated and released Friday afternoon.
At this time, Stephens said, he has not been “made aware” of how long Pierson will remain hospitalized.
“I’ve asked the family to keep me updated, but I’ve not heard anything new to report on that level,” Stephens said. “He’s going to have a long recovery, but I have no doubt he is going to try to prove me wrong there.”
Stephens described Pierson’s spirits as high.
“In my opinion, he is very motivated to get back to serving his community,” Stephens said.
“We’re very blessed to have this young man with us still today,” Stephens said. “I have no doubt he will continue fighting on and be back with our community before we know it.”
Pierson, he said, has been with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department since the first of June.
Prior to joining the department, Stephens said, Pierson had been working as a reserve officer with the Mountain View Police Department and also as a volunteer firefighter.
“I met him during a training and was very impressed with him,” Stephens said. “When I had an opening, I encouraged him to apply.”
According to Stephens, the deputy’s family is also “tired, but they are hanging in there. They’re probably both physically and mentally fatigued, but they are likewise committed.”
Stephens said each time he has spoken to family members, they are “appreciative of everybody and everything” that’s has been done to assist and support them.
Several fundraising efforts, Stephens said, are under way to help the Pierson family.
“We have an official account set up” called “Backup for Brigg,” Stephens said.
Donations, he said, may be dropped off for the Pierson family at the Van Buren Youth & Community Center or at any First Midwest Bank location.
The Van Buren Youth & Community Center also is selling T-shirts to raise funds for the family.
Available in black or gray, the cost is $20.
Each features a tattered and modified Back the Blue flag, with the messages “Prayers for Brigg” and “Carter County Strong” on the back.
“In addition, Sgt. (Nick) Bratton is spearheading a fundraising event … to help offset the cost and loss of income on (Pierson’s) wife’s part and help with some of the bills,” Stephens said.
More information, he said, about that fundraiser will be available in the future.