A Michigan State Police trooper for the Niles post who was shot in the line of duty in 2021 is now back on the job.

State police announced this week Trooper Jason DeVries returned to full duty 932 days after being shot while conducting a traffic stop. The post welcomed him back with a small gathering as First Lieutenant Jeremy Carlisle handed DeVries the keys to his patrol car.

DeVries was shot on October 6 of 2021 as he conducted a traffic stop and placed the driver into custody for not having a license. When Devries went to search the man’s vehicle, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot Devries in the leg. After being shot, DeVries and the suspect fell to the ground in a struggle, and DeVries was able to reach for his own gun. He shot the suspect twice.

DeVries was awarded the MSP Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart for his actions in June of 2022.

Michigan State Police call him “an inspiration and the definition of perseverance.”