A Placer County, California Sheriff's deputy was critically injured after a freak accident occurred during training last week.
Deputy Austin Harper was on duty and assisting with K-9 training on July 27 when he struck his head on a steel support beam inside of a vacant commercial building, according to a news release.
He was knocked unconscious transported to a local trauma center with severe injuries.
Harper underwent surgery to decrease the swelling in his brain and is currently in a medically induced coma and listed in critical but stable condition.
The deputy is surrounded by family and his law enforcement family
Harper has been with the Placer County Sheriff's Office since December, 2015. Prior to working for sheriff's office, he served as a police officer with the Town of Truckee and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Deputy Harper and his wife, who is also a police officer, are expecting their first child.
A support fund has been set up with with the California Association of Highway Patrol (CAHP) credit union to assist Harper's family. Click Here to donate.
