City honors sailor shot trying to stop robbery suspect

Wednesday declared as Brett Parks Day

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – City leaders are honoring a sailor seriously injured while trying to stop an armed robbery.

The city of Jacksonville has declared Wednesday as Brett Parks Day in the River City.

In October, a robbery suspect shot Parks outside an apartment complex as Parks tried to keep the suspect from running away.

Police arrested Courtney Phillips, charging him with armed robbery and aggravated battery.

Parks is still in recovery at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center.

"It's overwhelming that so many people care about what I did," he said. "When I look at what I did, I don't think of it as a big deal, I just think of it as something anyone would do."

The courageous move cost Parks his leg, kidney and a great deal of blood.

Standing by his bedside Friday, his pregnant wife and mother of their 17-month-old son proudly watched as Parks received the proclamation from the city.

"That's my husband, and I know he would do it all over again, even going through this, but that's Brett, that's what he does," Susan Parks said.

The city chose to recognize Parks as an inspiration, calling him a "fine example" just four years after joining the Navy.

"He's a sailor, he's part of the military fabric that makes this city so special," said Rear Admiral Victor Guillory, the city's director of military affairs. "He went beyond what's expected of a citizen of this city."

Parks is a father, husband and friend grateful to be in the presence of loved ones.

"So happy with my family, and I just praise God that I'm around still to enjoy them and be there for them," he said.