Casey Smith, the Brevard County deputy who was shot during an August 2015 prostitution sting in Port St. John, is back in uniform.

Smith was shot multiple times Aug. 20, 2015, when he was attempting to arrest Mary Derossett during a prostitution sting. Derossett's uncle, John Derossett, opened fire, striking Smith multiple times.

The deputy spent about one month recovering in the hospital. He was released in late September 2015.

Fast forward one year, and Smith is back working for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

"It's special," Smith said Tuesday when asked what it was like to put the uniform back on. "You just don't know unless you are part of it. At least that's the way I feel."

Smith underwent 12 surgeries. He returned to work almost exactly one year to the day he was shot.

"All the therapy," Smith said. "Just trying to get back here. Just everything from Aug. 20 last year until now."

Smith said he has seen an overwhelming amount of community support over the last 12 months, including a welcome home from the hospital as hundreds lined the streets.

The deputy also received the Florida Medal of Heroism from Gov. Rick Scott. Although he's back to work, Smith is doing a bit of a different job.

For now, he's in the community relations department and helps people with crime prevention tips. In the meantime, Smith is studying to become a sergeant in the Sheriff's Office.

There's no timetable for Smith to get back on the road, but he said it remains one of his goals.

Smith also wants to make sure younger deputies understand the risks of the profession.

"They need to realize this is for real, it's not a game," he said. "And you can't take for granted — ever — when you are walking up to somebody's house."

John Derossett was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. A trial date hasn't been set.

Mary Derossett took a plea deal in October 2015 and was sentenced to 180 days in prison.