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Savage Police Hold Benefit For Injured Officer

SAVAGE, Minn. (WCCO) - An officer hurt on the job got some overwhelming support tonight from the community he serves.

"I didn't expect this many people here," said Frank Mackall.

Officer Frank Mackall was hurt in January after he lost control of his squad car on an icy road and struck a tree.

For the first time since the accident, Frank got a chance to meet all the people that have supported him and his family.

A standing ovation greeted Officer Frank Mackall as he walked into the American Legion in Savage.

His colleagues on the Savage Police Department were the first to greet him. It has been a long four months since an accident separated them.

Mackall was on his way to assist fellow officers on a call when his police car hit an icy spot, slid off the road, and slammed into a tree.

Many in the law enforcement community, Savage and surrounding areas organized this event.

His wife, Lisabeth, says they are humbled by all the support.

"We're just happy to be out to have him out and to get him to reconnect with all his team mates," said Lisabeth.

She says her husband's progress is nothing short of a miracle.

"He's continuing physical therapy three days a week over at Bethesda but he's doing things that, with his level of head injury, should not be able to do," said Lisabeth. "So we are very grateful that he has the drive that he does. That's why he is recovering and he will continue to recover."

For their three young children, seeing Dad like this is helping them deal with all they've been through.

"We have a 15, a 10 and a seven-year-old. You deal with them at different times in different ways," said Lisabeth. "I think right now Dad is home, he's stable, he looks pretty good, he will play ball, he can play catch and do a little soccer, so it's feeling a little more normal," said Lisabeth.

Frank hopes to get back to work soon, but he knows he has more work to do before that happens.

"It takes a while for me to express myself with words," said Frank Mackall.

No words are needed between friends. This group plans to stick together until they are all back in uniform.

Frank says he hopes to be driving in the next few weeks.

Everyone we spoke with tonight was amazed at his progress.

His wife says prayer means everything to the family, and she believes prayer is the force behind her husband's recovery.

All money raised will go towards Mackall's medical bills.

Another benefit for Mackall will be held in his hometown of Cottage Grove on Sunday, June 3.

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