FRANKLIN COUNTY — Injured police officer Adam Sullentrup and his wife Michelle walked arm in arm up the driveway of what will be their new home Thursday morning, greeted by applause from a crowd of friends, family members and neighbors.
More than two years ago Sullentrup was shot in the head and in his side in a Hermann convenience store while arresting a man with multiple outstanding warrants in two counties. He has had multiple surgeries and spent several months in a Colorado hospital for intensive rehabilitation.
Speaking in a low whisper, Thursday morning Sullentrup expressed his gratitude to the Gary Sinese Foundation for donating the land and the construction of a “new gorgeous home that will help me be safe and independent.”
At the home site Thursday, people wrote encouraging messages and Bible verses on the house’s wood framing, before it gets dry walled. The 3-bedroom, 2-bath home west of Washington, Missouri will have smart technology and be adapted to help Sullentrup, the foundation said.
Michelle Sullentrup said Adam is continuing weekly speech and occupational therapy sessions.
“They are working on things like daily tasks, so folding laundry, making a meal and other things that will hopefully carry over in our new home,” she said.
“In speech, we’re working on getting his voice back. Everyone has noticed that he whispers and that’s been a challenge just being able for him to speak for himself.”
Adam Sullentrup, who was recently hired by the New Haven Police Department, said it “feels great” to be back working in law enforcement.
New Haven Police Chief Chris Neace said Adam serves in a public relations role with the department. He does ride-alongs with the chief and visits with members of the community when they visit places like nursing homes and special events.
Neace said the role is to show Adam that “he’s not forgotten about and he’s still part of our team.” He’d worked for the New Haven department for about seven years before taking the job in Hermann.
“He has gone leaps and bounds forward in his speech and vocabulary,” Neace said. “It’s remarkable.”
Neace said when he first approached Adam and Michelle Sullentrup about the job, Adam was giving one-word answers. Now, the chief said, he is speaking in short sentences.
Kenneth Lee Simpson has been charged in the shooting that injured Sullentrup and killed Hermann police Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and first-degree assault. Last month state prosecutors announced they will seek the death penalty. He is scheduled to go to trial in January.
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Ethan Colbert | Post-Dispatch
St. Charles County reporter
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