Something extraordinary happened during a Denton City Council meeting. A police officer who survived being shot in the line of duty came forward to reveal that his remarkable recovery has been marred by obstacles to his care and rehabilitation. It has been six years since former Denton Police Off icer Urbano “Urban” Rodriguez Jr. suffered gunshot wounds to the head and leg. Rodriguez has undergone multiple surgeries and has, until recently, undergone physical rehabilitation. He says he never imagined his recovery would end up like this. “I’ve been left behind,” he said. “I’ve been disregarded.” Rodriguez shared his experience through recovery with NBC 5 from his home in Denton County. His parents have moved in to help care for his needs and the needs of his young children. Rodriguez says he has not only battled the physical and mental scars of the traffic stop that nearly claimed his life in October 2019, but has also encountered constant financial restrictions in his recovery efforts. According to Rodriguez, his workers’ compensation benefits were scaled back and have recently completely stopped paying for the specialized therapy he credits for his remarkable recovery. “Traditional therapy, nothing was working until I went to the gym, that was my saving grace,” he said of the wellness center located in Addison. “I give it all to the gym and the trainers because they helped me tremendously.” The facility works with people who have suffered brain injuries or nerve damage. “They were focused on my arm and my leg,” he said, raising his right arm. “It had a tremendous effect.” But progress comes at a cost. The cost of each two-hour session is about $200, according to Rodriguez. He would go twice a week and tried to add a third day until he learned workers’ comp would no longer cover any of the cost. “They were blaming it on the doctors, they were blaming it on the city, and then, but it was all a mess,” he said. “And I’m stuck.” Rodriguez says he has tried asking local and state authorities for help to no avail. Feeling unheard, Rodriguez walked up to Denton City leaders this week and made a public plea for help. “I want the council to know that I am asking for help to stay where I’m at,” he said during public testimony. “I am trying to be cordial, but I’m kind of at wits’ end,” he said. What’s especially concerning for Rodriguez and his parents is that his inability to access this therapy has already led to setbacks in his progress. “My arm, it was free-flowing, and now it’s stuck right here,” he said, demonstrating a bend in his arm and wrist. Rodriguez received a standing ovation following his public comments on testimony before the city council on Tuesday. NBC 5 asked the city of Denton’s spokesperson what the city can or is doing to help this injured officer. While unable to speak to some specifics given federal privacy laws, a city spokesperson did release a statement saying: “City of Denton employees injured in the line of duty are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits (monetary and medical), which he is currently receiving. Any disputes regarding those benefits are addressed through the Texas Workforce Commission. We are aware of his current issues and the importance of the ongoing treatments, and have committed to working with him throughout his recovery.”   Plainly speaking, Rodriguez wants the city to do right by him and figure out a way to pay for this service that has greatly improved his life. “I’ve gone through hell and back, and I’ve been let down so many times, but what brings me back is my kids and my family and my close friends,” he said. Rodriguez says while other organizations have provided support over the years, the Peace Officer’s Angels Foundation has been the constant source of support throughout his recovery. Maria Alvarado, whose son died in the line of duty, heads up the non-profit benefitting injured officers from North and East Texas. Alvarado describes Rodriguez as a very good father, enduring unimaginable hardships. The foundation has agreed to step up once again if the public wishes to help with his therapy costs.  The Peace Officers Angels Foundation’s website has a section where the public can donate through PayPal and include a note to earmark the donation specifically for Urban Rodriguez. You can also reach the Peace Officers Angels Foundation via email at [email protected]. ...read more read less