COVINGTON, Ga. – Covington Police Department Officer Matt Cooper “continues to improve a little bit every day,” CPD Chief Stacey Cotton said in an update to the Covington City Council Monday evening. 

“He is getting a little stronger,” he said. “He is communicating a little more with his family and he’s made great improvements so we’re very very blessed.”

Cotton said it has been a few weeks since he has been to see Cooper, because the Cooper family wants to focus their attention on his rehabilitation and recovery. 

“It is very promising and we’re excited about all of his progress,” he said.

Cooper was shot in the line of duty on Labor Day while responding to a shoplifting call at the Walmart on Industrial Boulevard. Since the incident, the community has rallied together to support Cooper, his family and CPD. 

“I want to thank the citizens of Covington and around this community – not just the city, but the county and all around Georgia,” Cotton said. “The prayers have uplifted not just Matt but his family and they work. 

“It is truly a miracle to watch him continue to rehab and heal.”

Cooper is currently participating in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy through the Shepherd Center’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. 

Rehabilitation treatment teams at Shepherd Center typically include the following:  an attending physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, recreation therapist, case manager, peer support specialist, dietitian and psychologist. 

Shepherd Center specializes in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke. Founded in 1975, Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.