Coweta Veteran Credits Police Chief With Saving His Life

A Coweta Army veteran said he’s alive today thanks to the Chief of Police.

The first time Brian Cagle and Coweta Police Chief Mike Bell met, Cagle said he was suicidal, addicted to drugs, riddled with grief from the death of his brother and PTSD from his time in the Army.

"I had an eviction notice on the door. I had no running water. I had no electricity. I had cellulitis all over my body from dirty needles and I was spiritually broken. I wanted to die," said Cagle. 

Two years ago, Police Chief Mike Bell had been called to Cagle's home, by Cagle's mom.

"He had blacked out all of the windows in his house," said Bell. 

This was the last call she knew she could make that might save her son's life. They were worried they might lose him that day. 

"It was probably the worst phone call but the best phone call I ever made," said Brian's mom Cheryl Pace. 

Cagle had a warrant and thought he was going to jail.

"I was very reluctant to let them inside, but I am so glad that I did because the compassion that you guys showed that day was just unbelievable," said Cagle. 

Instead of jail, Chief Bell saw Cagle as a fellow veteran who needed help. Cagle agreed and together, they called the Veterans Crisis Hotline, then officers drove Cagle to the VA in Muskogee to get help.

Two years later Cagle invited News On 6 to walk with him into Chief Bell's office, this time as a sober, business owner and nonprofit founder who volunteers his time to help other men recover.

"I only touched one life. Look how many lives he is touching," said Chief Bell. 

"It is a part of my recovery to do this, to continue to reap the benefits of recovery without thanking the people that made it happen, that is just not how I am today," said Cagle. 

"They do not have to suffer alone, they do not have to go through recovery alone," said Pace. 

If you are a veteran who has thoughts of suicide or have a loved one who needs help, you can find resources below.

Veteran's Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)

12&12, a community addiction recovery center

Muskogee VA

The Barracks Muskogee

Cagle is a mobile mechanic and you can support his business here.

He also started a nonprofit called First Step Male Diversion Program, helping keep young men out of prison by helping them with their paths to recovery. You can support him by clicking here.