Josh Vadell with his wife, Laura, and daughters.
The Atlantic City Police Department had a big welcome back for an officer whose career was cut short when he was almost killed in a shooting.
Retired Officer Josh Vadell came to the roll call room Wednesday to talk about resiliency and mental health.
Vadell, joined by his wife, Laura, and their three daughters, spoke briefly to a packed room of police officers about resilience and mental health.
Vadell was shot Sept. 3, 2016, when he and his partner, Thomas McCabe, interrupted an armed robbery of three teens.
As soon as he exited the patrol car, Vadell was struck in the head by gunfire by one of the fleeing suspects.
Josh Vadell stands in front of former partner Thomas McCabe, now a detective in the department. Behind them is Vadell in uniform with his former badge number above.McCabe returned fire, striking and killing the fleeing assailant before turning to render aid to his wounded partner.
Officers Jesse Oliver-Logan, Daniel Kramer, Joseph Bereheiko and Phil Davidson joined McCabe, with the group taking Vadell to the hospital in a patrol car.
Vadell, whose third daughter was born shortly after he was wounded, survived, and continues his rehabilitation.
Now, instead of serving the residents and visitors of Atlantic City, Vadell travels the country speaking to audiences about his life-changing incident, the adversity he endured and the importance of camaraderie within the police profession, according to a post about Vadell put out by the Police Department on Thursday.
"His genuine positivity concerning life is an example of proven resiliency and a testament that whatever can happen at any time, can happen today," the post said.
The department’s Operation Division honors these qualities with an “Operations 803 Award,” a nod to Vadell's badge number.
The award will be presented quarterly to a member of the Operations Division who exemplifies initiative, demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity and inspires others to perform at their highest level for the betterment of the Atlantic City community.
The Atlantic City PBA Local #24 also presented Vadell with a $2,500 donation to The Josh Vadell Foundation. It will be an annual donation.
The Josh Vadell Foundation is dedicated to offering financial support to critically injured and people in need.
The Atlantic City Police Foundation is assisting Vadell with a much-needed piece of equipment that will assist in his continued rehabilitation.
"It is not easy for someone to stand in a room full of people and talk about their mental health," the post read. "Officer Vadell is self-deprecating, caring and speaks about his path since the shooting in a down-to-earth, hold no punches way. The ACPD will continue to support Officer Vadell and his family."
