There are some good signs of recovery for a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was shot earlier this month.

Agent Casey Smith was able to talk to his family for the first time this weekend.

On the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that doctors were able to remove Agent Smith’s respirator Saturday, allowing him to have a limited conversation with his family.

The past several days have shown very positive signs for Casey and today has been an amazing day in his recovery. Earlier today Casey's medical team removed his respirator and his family was able to actually have limited conversation with him for the first time since he was shot in the line of duty. Casey is getting stronger every day and today's events were an incredible sign of his recovery abilities. While we are very excited about today's progress we also know that there is still a long road ahead of us and ask that you continue to keep Casey and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Michele and the family want everyone to know how thankful they are for the support that has been shown by the members of our agency and the community. The support for Casey has been amazing and has truly shown how important Casey is to everyone. Additionally, the family is so thankful for the many fundraising efforts that are taking place to help Casey. They have asked that all donations be made payable to the Brevard County Public Safety Charity that is designed to take care of Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters throughout Brevard County in a time of need. For more information on the charity or to donate please visit our website at brevardsheriff.com or contact our Community Relations Coordinator, Lindsey Deaton at (321) 505-8752.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Meanwhile, the outpouring of support continues for Deputy Smith and his family.

A group of students from Quest Elementary and Viera High School started collecting “Coins for Casey” at this past Friday’s football matchup between Viera and Rockledge.

Money raised will be donated to the Brevard Public Safety Charity for Deputy Smith.

Fifth Grader Grace Stiffler came up with the idea after she saw all the blood drives set up for Agent Smith.

Grace Stiffler

“I wanted something that kids could do too, not just the blood drive for grownups, so I decided, why not (have) a fundraiser,” said Stiffler.

Donation buckets will also be placed in classrooms at the two schools, to continue to raise money.

Deputy Smith was shot during a prostitution arrest at a Port St. John home on August 20.

John Derossett, 65, is facing three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

He was arrested earlier this week, after recovering at a hospital for wounds he received during the shootout with deputies.

John Derossett, 65, is charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. (PHOTO/Brevard County Sheriff’s Office)