Community rallies around deputy seriously injured in crash

ATLANTA - A deputy is seriously injured after hitting a horse while responding to a call Monday night.

Haralson County Sheriff Deputy Daryl Browning has been with the department for more than 10 years, but also works part time with the Mt. Zion Police Department to make ends meet. While responding to a call Monday, his family said he hit a horse and was seriously injured.

“Waiting on hip surgery in the morning,” said Deputy Browning's wife, Monica Browning.  “He will have facial surgery at the end of the week; he had a broken eye socket, broken nose and several broken bones in his face.”

At Grady Memorial Hospital Tuesday, loved ones gathered by his bedside including his fellow deputies who say Browning is not just a colleague, but a brother.  Cpl. Richard Harrison said Deputy Browning trained him and he is the kind of law enforcement officer who goes above and beyond.

“He is definitely someone who pushes us to be more than just the average law enforcement officer,” said Cpl. Richard Harrison with the Haralson County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Browning has four children, his high school sweetheart and wife said he is the provider for the family and will be out of work for six months while he recovers and undergoes physical therapy.

“He works every single day, he does not take a day off and I stay home with our four kids,” said Monica.  “He is our only source of income.”

The community is now rallying around Deputy Browning, raising money and offering to help the family however they can.

“He is the strongest person I have ever known,” said Deputy Browning's sister, Ashley Hughes.  “He always takes care of his family, he always provides for his family and he is always there for anybody he can be, he is just an all-around good guy and it's hard to see your big brother laid up like that.  I have been brought to tears several times today of the outpouring of love people have shown, the support people have shown.”

This family is just grateful Deputy Browning is going to make it and is overwhelmed by the support they have received.

“We have so many people that are praying for him and we know God’s grace will get him through it,” said Ashley Hughes.

To help this family you can click on the fundraising link.