MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Although signs of response have been positive, West Virginia Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has a long road to travel before he is out of the woods.
Wolfe was one of the National Guard members on patrol in Washington D.C. who was shot last week. News of Wolfe’s injuries hit harder for Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair and his staff.
“It’s a special connection to our agency. Andy’s dad is my Patrol Sergeant Jason Wolfe. Jason and his wife Melody, you can’t find two finer people,” said Blair during an appearance on MetroNews Affiliate WEPM Radio in Martinsburg.
Blair and some of his deputies made the trip to Washington D.C. to be with the Wolfe family and lend their support at the hospital where Andy’s recovery continues.
“One of the things that really struck me was just all kinds of guardsmen and police officers and every time you asked Melody or Jason what they wanted they just said, ‘Pray for my boy.’ That’s it. They actually said the want for nothing except prayer,” the Sheriff added.
Governor Patrick Morrisey made a similar observation during a press conference this week updating Sgt. Wolfe’s recovery. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito noted after visiting with the family for only a few brief minutes they were deeply reliant on their Faith in God.
The Governor also told reporters Wolfe had been responsive with some movement of his toes and acknowledgement that he could hear a nurse speaking to him. Sheriff Blair said there were positive developments, but the road to recovery would be long.
“I can confirm that and even say the neurosurgeon went in with an angiogram to check the brain and a really, really positive report was sent back, so they are thankful for those small steps,” he said.
Melody Wolfe posted an update on his condition Tuesday to social media.
“Andy had a normal night, oxygen dropped a tad, but we think it’s because of a mucus buildup. So they’re doing a small procedure to get the mucus and then he should be fine. Also, there are reports being made that Andy is awake and responsive. He is not. He’s responsive in a few simple commands like raise your thumb, squeeze my hand, or wiggle your toes. However in the true sense of awake and responsive, he is not. …He will be, but not right yet. I love you all.”
Sheriff Blair also cautioned those hoping to help the family to be extremely careful about on-line scams which have popped up in relation to the notoriety of Wolfe’s situation.
“We’re working with the FBI. There are several accounts out there that are obvious fraud accounts, which is unbelievable that somebody would take advantage of that,” he said.
He reiterated the only thing the family has asked for is prayer from anyone and everyone for Andy’s recovery.