Officer Aaron Pearson makes appearance at fundraiser

Injured Springfield police officer Aaron Pearson made an appearance at a fundraiser for his family on Saturday evening.

Pearson walked out onto the stage at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center with his wife, Amanda, and briefly thanked the crowd before becoming emotional.

Amanda Pearson said she was told by doctors that her husband would never speak again, but he has already shattered expectations.

"I got my old Aaron back," Amanda said. "Other than some endurance issues and language issues, he is the same guy we all know and love."

Amanda said his injury has brought the couple closer together and she has even grown a new appreciation for his "snippiness."

"With traumatic experiences, two things happen: either people grow apart or they come closer together," Amanda said. "That is definitely what has happened with us and our community."

Pearson was shot in the head while investigating suspicious activity in northeast Springfield in late January.

Police initially described his injuries as "career-ending," and family members weren't sure what his full potential would be. Pearson showed his friends and supporters on Saturday that his ceiling is higher than many expected.

Springfield police officer Jacob Boomgaarden saw Pearson for the first time since his injury on Saturday and said he was blown away.

Boomgaarden and Pearson were in the same academy class, and Boomgaarden was working the night Pearson was shot.

"We all thought he was dead that night," Boomgaarden said. "So every day is a win."

Pearson had a bandage on the right side of his face but otherwise looked like the same person Boomgaarden knew before the shooting.

Pearson was moved from Mercy Hospital in Springfield to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for rehab in mid-February, but his father-in-law, Tom Dempsey, said Pearson is now back in Springfield to continue rehab.

"Aaron still has a long, long road ahead of him," Dempsey said. "But based on the prognosis that we got, Aaron has far surpassed what the medical professionals thought he would do. Words cannot express how happy we are having the entire family home."

Dempsey said he and his family have been amazed at the progress his son-in-law continues to make, but Pearson will have limitations for the rest of his life. Dempsey said speech is Pearson's biggest obstacle right now, but he is optimistic Pearson will continue to improve in that area.

Dempsey said there have been many breakthroughs, like the first time Pearson opened his eye or ate solid foods or moved his right side or began to speak.

Dempsey said Pearson — a father to two young children — is now changing diapers again.

"It's truly a miracle," Dempsey said. "That's all you can say."

Dempsey said the family is thankful for the support of the Springfield community, and that is why Pearson wanted to make an appearance on Saturday.

"Words cannot express what we feel about Springfield and the surrounding community," Dempsey said. "I think it is important for those people who have offered their support whether financial or emotional to see this, because now they know what their prayers and money and well wishes have gone toward."

About 500 people attended Saturday's fundraiser which was organized by the Springfield Police Officers' Association and St. Louis-based Hunt for Justice. The event included a trivia contest, food donated by Springfield restaurants, a silent auction and a raffle for a $75,000 bass boat.

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams was in attendance and took a moment to recognize the members of Pearson's squad.

"I know all of us have gone through a lot," Williams said. "But a squad is like a family within a family, and I really appreciate that. I want to recognize the fact that they are here and they have been working every night since then."

Sgt. David Meyer helped organize Saturday's event, and he said it was not difficult finding businesses willing to step up and lend a hand for the Pearson family.

"For the silent auction stuff, we didn't even have to ask, the community just gave it to us," Meyer said. "This was the easiest event to put on because we didn't have to ask for stuff."

Pearson's medical expenses and salary are being covered by the city's workers' compensation plan, but the community has been raising funds for Pearson and his family to cover future expenses.

Joshua Hagood, 32, has been charged in connection to Pearson's shooting. Hagood is being held in jail without bond.

For a complete list of ways to donate to Pearson and his family, visit PrayersForPearson.com.

Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Foundation. The primary account location is Commerce Bank at 2770 W. Republic Road, but donations are accepted at any Commerce Bank location. Checks can also be sent to: Missouri FOP Foundation, 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd. C100-91, Springfield, MO 65807. Write "Springfield Police" in the memo line.