On Sunday September 14, 2008 Lieutenant Jim Freeland was on patrol for the Powder Springs Police Department in Georgia when calls came over about a hit-and-run in the area. Lieutenant Freeland, along with another patrol car, pursued the suspect in a chase, which ended with the suspect wrecking his car. Lieutenant Freeland brought his police cruiser to a stop next to the crushed vehicle, but before he could move from his car, the suspect approached the lieutenant and began punching him repeatedly in the head. Other officers were quick behind and the attacker was stopped and arrested. All of the officers, including Lieutenant Freeland, went back to work that day, and it wasn't until four days later, that the lieutenant realized the extent of his injuries. Since then he has undergone reconstructive surgery for broken bones on the left side of his face and surgery on his lower back for two herniated discs and a broken vertebra. He has been on medical leave since October, 2008, but expects to return to full duty by the beginning of May, 2009. Lieutenant Freeland has been with the Powder Springs Police Department for the past 23 years. As a young boy he helped his father at the family's service station where he talked to local police on a regular basis. Combined with being raised to always helped others, entering law enforcement seemed like an ideal option. Over the years he has held various positions in the department such as crime scene technician, detective, K-9 unit and mounted patrol unit. He has also been a training officer and a member of the SWAT team for the past 19 years.