A Centerville Police Department corporal is recovering after being shot and injured while responding to a domestic dispute in Centerville on Friday.
Police Chief Chuck Hadden described Cpl. Jeremy Mashuga as tough as nails and selfless.
He says Mashuga is recovering nicely and they hope he's able to come back to work in the future.
On Friday night, Mashuga was shot twice after responding to a domestic dispute.
The two-year Centerville Police officer is no stranger to public service.
He served more than a decade in the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded three Purple Hearts after surviving three IED attacks.
Last July, Mashuga led the Pledge of Allegiance at a Houston County Commission meeting.
He first enlisted in 2004 and was eventually assigned to a non-combat unit after damage to his hearing after the third attack, according to Houston County minutes from that meeting.
Chief Chuck Hadden says his record speaks for itself.
“Selfless, is really the best way I can put it,” Hadden said.
Hadden also said Mashuga is well liked around the office and his fellow officers enjoy spending time with him.
“You couldn't ask for a better person, better friend, better officer, or better employee,” Hadden said.
But that doesn't mean they don't give him a hard time.
“He's subtle but he's funny. He's got his little quirks about him, everybody makes fun of him cause he's a picky eater. He eats a very small repertoire of food, but he eats a lot of it. Every time you see him he's chewing on something,” Hadden said with a laugh.
Hadden says he knows for veterans like Mashuga, standing in the line of fire is second nature.
“Just like Mashuga, they'll put themselves second for anybody, all you got to do is mention it and they'll jump all over it,” he continued.
Mashuga was recently promoted to Corporal and in May 2017, he was named officer of the year for Centerville Police.
The Chief says Mashuga's in good spirits as his recovery continues and he is itching to get back to work.
“He's certainly more concerned about getting back on his feet and getting back to work than he should be at this point. You got to try to tell him to calm down and take care of yourself first. He's in good spirits, he's been in good spirits the whole time,” Hadden said.
Centerville Police posted a way you can help Corporal Mashuga and his family on their Facebook page.