JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Schools Police Chief Greg Burton was discharged from the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital surrounded by love and support from more than 50 local law enforcement officers and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, who gathered Wednesday for a surprise “Parade of Appreciation.”
They circled the entrance to the rehab facility waving with their lights flashing.
In an update from Brooks, it was revealed that Burton suffered a stroke on his way to work in September. Since then, after receiving acute hospital care, he has been undergoing intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at the Brooks Bartram Campus for three weeks.
“He made amazing progress in his stroke recovery and today we were honored to see him discharge home with his wife Lakesha, who was always by his side,” said Dr. Charles Dempsey, Chief Burton’s physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Brooks.
In October, Lakesha Burton, who was a former candidate for Jacksonville sheriff, stepped down from her city position as Jacksonville’s Director of Community Initiatives to focus on her husband’s health.
“This is a family that has done so much for the Jacksonville community and we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to help him on his road to recovery,” said Vice President of Hospital Operations Bryan Murphy.
Lakesha Burton expressed her gratitude for the support her family has received from the community.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers, support and love from our community,” Lakesha Burton said. “Our pit stop to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital was life-changing for my husband. We were blessed to have been cared for by such dynamic, experienced and compassionate staff. We move forward with great anticipation of ongoing success as we continue to depend on God and our support system.”
There is no word on a timeline of when Chief Burton could be able to return to work. For the time being, Sean MacMaster is serving as the interim DCPS Schools Police chief.
Watch the send-off parade below: