Police Officer Shot and Paralyzed in the Line of Duty Stands for National Anthem 14 Years Later

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After being shot in the line of duty, a police officer was left paralyzed from the waist down. Fourteen years later, thanks to a specialized wheelchair, he was able to achieve the dream of standing for the national anthem. The photo of him holding the flag at the opening for the Special Olympics has gone viral and touched hearts all over the internet.

It was Dec. 17, 2005, when Officer Bill Weigt from Peoria Arizona responded to an incident. “It was a drug deal gone bad,” Weigt recalled, per KPHO-TV. “Suspect just got out of his vehicle and started shooting.” One of those bullets hit Officer Weigt right above his protective vest, and he somehow sensed that everything had changed.

“I just knew I was paralyzed,” he said, per ABC 15.

While the suspect who shot him was later struck down, Weigt suffered spinal cord injuries. He became wheelchair-bound. “[My career] kind of got cut short right there,” he said. The officer did eventually go back to working with the Peoria Police Department as an investigator.

Early in 2019, Weigt applied to be a part of his department’s honor guard in spite of having some reservations. “I was concerned about doing certain formations, rolling over toes, and stuff like that,” he explained.

In October 2019, at the opening for the Arizona Special Olympics, the officer managed to achieve a dream he had for 14 years while paralyzed all thanks to a Permobil F5 power chair, which allows him to position himself upright. “I'd been wanting to stand for the national anthem for 14 years,” Weigt explained, per Today. “I was a little overwhelmed at first, but it was so exciting.”

The Peoria Police Department shared on Facebook a touching photo showing Officer Weigt holding the American flag in one hand and the control to his chair in the other. “I’ve always wanted to stand for the national anthem for many reasons. I love the country; I love everything about it. But I wanted to do it on my terms. I didn’t want to be held up,” Weigt stated.

Among the Olympians present was the officer’s nephew, Andrew. And after the anthem, they all gathered around to hug him and take photos. “That was probably the most special thing,” Weigt said, per Today.

In spite of his disability, though, Weigt said he was grateful for what he has achieved. “Of course, I would like to go and get my body back, but I can’t, so I make the best of what I’ve got. And I have a really great life,” he shared.

According to the officer, he wants to serve as an inspiration to others who are living with disabilities. “I wasn’t out there for this to happen. I was there for the Special Olympians ... If you ever want to use this wheelchair, it’s yours,” Weigt said. “Keep trying and doing anything and everything that you can. Don’t quit.”

Many of the Facebook users who saw the photo were touched by such a beautiful display. One comment remarked, “What an awesome moment! Thanks to our Honor Guard for representing Peoria at the Special Olympics Arizona opening ceremonies!”

While another read, “Your courage is amazing, your caring for others is awesome, and your example to the world is inspiring. Independence High School is honored to call you one of their own. God Bless you, Bill.”