Deputy back on duty after weeks of recovery

A Volusia County deputy who was seriously wounded in a Deltona shooting has returned to work after about eight weeks of recovery, according to Spectrum News 13. Deputy Jose Rivera was struck by gunfire while responding to a call, and Sheriff Mike Chitwood previously said Rivera’s body camera absorbed part of the impact and likely saved his life.

For Edgewater readers, the incident did not happen locally, but it remains a significant county public safety story because it involves the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, which serves communities across the county. The report said Rivera suffered two gunshot wounds and has now come back to duty, describing himself as grateful to be out of the house and helping the agency again.

Body camera credited with preventing a worse outcome

The account underscores how quickly routine calls can turn dangerous for deputies anywhere in Volusia County. Spectrum reported that body camera video from the shooting shows how fast the confrontation unfolded. Rivera said the bullet that hit the camera could have struck him in the heart if it had not been stopped.

That detail has drawn attention well beyond Deltona because it highlights both the risks deputies face and the role of protective equipment in the field. Rivera also said he still hopes to return to field work one day, signaling that his recovery is ongoing even as he resumes duties with the agency.

Family impact and next court date

The story also focused on the personal side of the recovery. Rivera said conversations with his children, especially his oldest child, were difficult after the shooting. He said his son did not want him to go back to work, though he later became excited for his father’s return.

According to the report, the suspect remains in custody on two counts of attempted first-degree murder. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 5. For Edgewater residents, the case is a reminder that major law-enforcement developments elsewhere in Volusia County can still affect the broader sheriff’s office and the public safety conversation countywide.