Durham police officer helps build ramp for friend in need
ABC11 Together highlights the strength of the human spirit, good deeds, community needs, and how our viewers can help
DURHAM (WTVD) -- When a Durham police officer found out his friend had no way of getting in or out of his home after a shooting left him in a wheelchair, he decided to do something about it.
Pyro Burroughs, 34, of Durham, had been working security at a Raleigh nightclub in the early morning hours of July 23 when he ran to nearby Motion Lounge to help break up a fight. Soon after the crowd dispersed, gunfire rang out.
"I heard someone say, 'Hey get down! Get down!' And as I bent down, I took maybe two steps and the first two shots hit me," said Burroughs.
One of the bullets struck his spine, leaving him in a wheelchair. For weeks, Burroughs was stuck at WakeMed, unable to go home because his house didn't have a wheelchair ramp.
That's when his friend, Durham police officer Roger Humphrey called.
"I remember him saying was there anything you need," said Burroughs.
"And he said he didn't need anything," said Humphrey. "He said that he was trying to get his landlord to build him a handicap ramp so he could come home, that was all that he needed."
The next day, on a weekend pass from the hospital, Burroughs came home to a big surprise.
"I come over here and I find out that this guy's been here since 9, 10 a.m. and he was building the ramp, paid for the materials," said Burroughs.
"It affects the community when somebody is not out there helping," said Humphrey. "He helped the community. So, I'm giving a little bit back. He's my friend and I'm helping him."
Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App
Now, back at home for good, Burroughs can focus on recovery. He plans one day, to walk again.
"Some people are gonna say, 'Oh, it's just a ramp,' but to me, it was really kinda everything."
Raleigh police charged Nelson Brown in the shooting at Motion Lounge that injured Burroughs and two other people. Brown was arrested on three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a felon.
