After two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies sustained serious injuries while responding to a call for service, which turned into an ambush attack in Tampa, there was a long road of recovery ahead. After 45 days, Corporal Carlos Brito was able to home with his family in time for the holidays.
Sheriff Chad Chronister and members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were honored to support Corporal Brito as he was discharged from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo.
“I think we all just received the greatest gift knowing that both Corporal Brito and Deputy Santos will be home for the holidays,’“ said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “ I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as this community has reminded us why we do this job. This outpouring of love that we witnessed today and continue to witness every day allows us to kiss our loved ones goodbye and go out and serve and protect this community, not knowing what might lie ahead.”
Corporal Brito recounts the morning leading up to the horrifying Central Florida attack, saying he kissed his baby daughter goodbye as she called ‘dada’ out to him.
“I became a deputy because I wanted to serve and protect,” said Corporal Carlos Brito. “That day, I got up, I went to work, and we responded to that call to help. Unfortunately, bad things can happen, but I am not one to give up, and soon enough, I’ll be standing back up.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister joined Deputy Manuel Santos as he was discharged from Tampa General Hospital last month.
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