A Loudon County man, who once dreamed of being an officer and protecting his community, received a special birthday visit today from some deputies today.

Matthew Clark, who turns 33 today, was involved in a motorcycle crash that left him fighting for his life in a trauma unit. Clark, who was 21 at the time of the crash, was critically injured in a crash that occurred on Governor Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevier County near Kodak. Clark was actively pursuing his career goals as a law enforcement officer at the time of his crash.

Several years ago, LCSO Sheriff Tim Guider made Clark an “Honorary Deputy” with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office. Matthew often finds his way to the sheriff’s office shift roll calls and visits with his law enforcement family.