Lying in bed at home, Deputy Corey Farris said he knows from his informants

that certain drug dealers think they can get away with more, since a red pickup truck shattered his jaw and knee.

&uot;They’re saying, ‘Farris isn’t working,’&uot; Farris said from his living room, where he’s spent much of his time since his motorcycle accident in early August.

But this week, with an OK from his doctor, Farris may return to work 50 pounds lighter, on crutches after three months of surgeries and rehab. He’ll write up search warrants, do paperwork, investigate over the phone, testify in court and do administrative duties. Other law enforcement officers will be his legs, he said. He’s grateful for the help, but it’s frustrating.

&uot;It’s extremely frustrating. I’m a very independent person and don’t like asking people for help. I feel guilty when I ask for help,&uot; he said.

In August, a truck smashed into Farris and his wife Crystal’s motorcycle while they vacationed in South Dakota. All he remembers is a red pickup. Witnesses say it blew through a stop sign; the driver said he didn’t.

Either way, Farris lost several teeth, and his jaw and knee broke into several pieces. Crystal broke both bones in her right lower leg and her right arm. She started working again on a part-time basis a few weeks ago.

Farris spent a several days in a drug-induced coma. Crystal spent several days unconscious.

For months, it meant lying in bed watching television in the hospital and his home, not at crime scenes doing investigations that sometimes kept him up all hours of the night. For an active guy, who spent much of his free time outdoors, hunting, snowmobiling and camping, it hasn’t been easy.

But he has remained productive, giving advice to officers in drug investigations on how to handle evidence and other procedures. He envies them.

Crystal said she went into recovery immediately after surgery, but it’s been difficult having Corey continuously go back to the hospital.

&uot;Just when I think I get to have him home with me, I take him to the doctor and they keep him for a week,&uot; Crystal said. The second time it happened was for two weeks.

He said the earliest he can walk without crutches will be late November. That’s if his wounds don’t become infected again, something that’s put him back in the hospital two times for six surgeries.

He said his doctor’s appointment Monday could mean more hospital time. He hopes not. &uot;It’s always in the back of your head,&uot; he said.

Not everyone is anxious for Corey to get out of his house and back to work. &uot;I just want him to get better. I don’t care how long it takes,&uot; said Freeborn County Sheriff Mark Harig.

He said all law enforcement officers have been really concerned about Corey and Crystal. &uot;They’ve been really supportive, not just the deputies, but the policemen have been supportive, too,&uot; Harig said.

Last week Farris saw dramatic improvements.

He was able to shower and shave without being completely wiped out. &uot;It used to kill me,&uot; he said.

Having his jaw wired shut, Farris couldn’t eat solid foods and lost about 50 pounds.

Farris said the daily visits and support from the community have helped with his recovery.

He said he’s learned an important lesson from all this.

&uot;Don’t ever take your life for granted,&uot; he said.

(Contact Tim Sturrock at tim.sturrock@albertleatribune.com or 379-3438.)