Waseca police officer Arik Matson, shot in the head while chasing a suspect in January, is coming home to a hero's welcome next week after extended time out of state for therapy.
Police Chief Penny Vought on Wednesday invited the public to line State Street from Waseca High School to the Police Department downtown for the 33-year-old Matson's return about noon on Monday.
Emergency vehicles will escort Matson along the street "so he can see all that came to greet him," the chief wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.
A similar parade is scheduled for roughly 3 p.m. Monday 25 miles to the south in Freeborn, where Arik and Megan Matson live with their two daughters, said family friend Abbey Jacobsen.
To commemorate Matson's return from Nebraska, "Thin Blue Line" wrist bands will be given away between now and Monday at the Police Department, each adorned with 22 stars. The stars represent Matson's badge number of 222.
"The day we have hoped for is finally almost here," Vought said. "Arik will soon be home with his family, his law enforcement family and his friends. We have missed him tremendously and will continue to support him as he recovers from his injuries."
The chief went on to "acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders, doctors and nurses who saved his life" as well as the current and former law enforcement officers "who watched over him at various facilities."
In Megan Matson's most recent update on Caringbridge.org regarding Arik's physical progress, she wrote, "We have been working on walking together/car transfers/in and out of the restroom/to getting dressed along with daily life skills. Arik is moving in the right direction slowly but surely … He is very excited to be coming home soon and continuing his [therapies] here in MN for the long months to come ahead."
