Frybarger says he did two stints in Iraq with the Army's 1st Infantry Division. He says he was involved in plenty of firefights there, but never came as close to death as he did right here in Rapid City.

Mike Frybarger says, "I used to be safe with the idea that I'm here. I'm not in Iraq. I'm not in a war zone. In reality, I don't know any more. Am I in a war zone? I'm not wearing a badge any more. I'm not wearing a uniform. It just makes you think. Any given time."

Frybarger had been on the job for about a year and a half before this incident. He says it was a big factor in his leaving the force six months later. And it's made him appreciate the officers who are still there even more.

Frybarger says, "I don't think Rapid City really realizes what your officers are out there doing. Half the time you deal with your officers, it's a traffic stop or it's something petty. But they're fighting on a daily basis. People are getting kicked, punched, spit on, called every name in the book on a daily basis out there. The next time you see an officer, say thanks."

Frybarger says he didn't want to hear his five year old daughter asking him not to get shot before he left for work any more. He's now in the real estate business.

-Jack Caudill