Georgia Police Officer Shot in the Head Responding to Call in 2018 Returns to Work

COVINGTON, Georgia -- A Covington police officer who was in a fight for his life after being shot in the head while responding to a shoplifting call more than 20 months ago returned to work this week.

Officer Matt Cooper underwent several surgeries and endured months of rehab after he was shot between his eyes on Sept. 3, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The officer was pursuing a shoplifting suspect at a Walmart off Industrial Boulevard when the shooting occurred. The man accused of shooting Cooper died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials.

After the shooting, doctors revealed that the bullet traveled to Cooper's carotid artery, clotting his blood and saving his life.

The city rallied behind Cooper in his recovery, and his badge number "148" became a common symbol of support. When he reported to duty on Monday, Cooper brought both the bullet and his badge back to work.

“It is a great day at the Covington Police Department having Matt back in this building,” Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton told the newspaper. “It is long awaited and we are grateful that he has battled back to make this day happen!”