Deputy speaks publicly as recovery continues

A Volusia County sheriff’s deputy who was shot in Deltona last month says he is recovering well and hopes to return to work soon, a development that will matter to many Edgewater readers who follow countywide public safety news. Deputy Jose Rivera spoke publicly this week after surviving a shooting that investigators say could have been even worse if a bullet had not struck his body-worn camera.

According to local reports, Rivera was shot during a March response to a home in Deltona. One round hit the camera mounted on his chest, and authorities have said that impact likely prevented a fatal injury. Rivera said the experience has been humbling and has reinforced his gratitude for being able to return home to his family and watch his children grow up.

What investigators and the deputy have said

Rivera told reporters his recovery is going well and that he hopes to be back on light duty by June. In a separate interview, he said he is returning to light duty this week for about a month before moving into a K-9 handler role with the sheriff’s office Crime Suppression Team. The sheriff’s office has previously said Rivera was struck multiple times during the encounter.

The case has drawn attention across Volusia County because investigators were later able to recover footage from the damaged body camera. Officials say the video shows the suspect opening fire at close range. The suspect, Luis Diaz Polanco, has been charged in the case and has pleaded not guilty, according to published reports.

Why Edgewater readers may care

Although the shooting happened in Deltona, it involves the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, which serves Edgewater residents in many countywide law-enforcement functions and remains a major public safety presence across the region. Cases involving attacks on deputies often lead to broader conversations about officer safety, training, equipment and emergency response throughout the county.

For residents in Edgewater, the update is also a reminder that this remains an active criminal case moving through the court system while the deputy continues rehabilitation. The practical takeaway is limited for day-to-day routines here, but the story has clear county relevance because it concerns a deputy’s recovery, the use of body-camera evidence and the handling of a high-profile attempted murder case.

What comes next

Rivera’s expected return to duty is the newest development, and local outlets have indicated they will continue following both his recovery and the prosecution of the suspect. As of the latest reports, Rivera has emphasized appreciation for community support and a desire to get back to serving.

We’ll continue to watch for any court hearings, sheriff’s office updates or additional public safety information that could affect Volusia County residents, including those in Edgewater.