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Despite pain, officer knew bullet wasn't fatal Photo by Bob Pennell Medford police officer Scott Clauson enjoys the many cards and letters he has received from well-wishers since he was shot Dec. 18. Clauson says he still wants to do police work By JESSICA SMITH A somewhat straight-legged stiffness and two crutches are the only visible reminders of the wound that Scott Clauson, a Medford police officer, suffered during a December shootout. But there are other reminders, too. Like the memory of the pain he felt after a bullet tore into his leg. "I just remember sudden pain and not being able to stand," Clauson said of the shooting. "It's an unbelievable aching pain ... hard to describe." Clauson isn't supposed to discuss the details of the shooting -- a suspect in the case has yet to go to trial -- but he said he has a vivid memory of incident. "I actually remember the whole night. (Being shot) just kind of locked in what happened," he said. The investigation shows that Clauson was shot after he and other officers responded the morning of Dec. 18 to a west Medford home where an armed man had reportedly forced his way in. Authorities said the man, carrying two handguns, began shooting at Clauson and officer Mike Strouse, who returned fire. Clauson was shot behind the home on South Columbus Avenue. Police identified Moises Sanchez-Llamas, 26, as the shooter. He was arrested that morning and later indicted on two counts of attempted aggravated murder for firing weapons at officers, among other charges. He remains in custody, lodged without bail in the Jackson County Jail. Although the shooting caused Clauson extreme pain, he said he quickly understood that he would survive. "I was thinking this is only a leg wound ... I'm going to be OK. I kept reassuring the officers that it was just in my leg, that it wasn't going to be fatal," Clauson said. Clauson and his wife, Christina, said they talked at length about the dangers that are inherent in Clauson's job but that neither believed he might someday be hurt. "We've talked about it so many times. You just never really think it will happen ... like it just wouldn't happen in Medford," Christina Clauson said. Police say the last time a Medford officer was shot in the line of duty was 66 years ago. Clauson was rushed to Rogue Valley Medical Center, where surgeons worked to repair his leg. The bullet had shattered his right femur. "The absolute worst was getting that knock at the door" from an officer who was sent to Clauson's home to tell his family what had happened, his wife said. "I saw (the officer) standing there and no Scott," she added. "Everything just kind of stopped. I said, `Just tell me if he's alive.' And he was." Clauson spent just under a week at RVMC. He was released in time to spend the holidays with his family. Stitches that marked where a steel rod, pins and wires hold Clauson's femur together were removed Monday. Clauson said his doctor expects him to fully recover, though it's still uncertain when he will return to full active duty. "Believe it or not, I still really feel that police work is what I want to do. But the shooting does make me think about how badly do I want to keep working," Clauson said. He's worked for the Medford Police Department since 1995. For now, Clauson is focusing his energy on healing. He was released from the hospital Dec. 23. He said he spends the majority of his time with his sons, Zachary, 3, and Christian, 20 months, playing games and watching Tom & Jerry cartoon videos. "I actually credit these guys with keeping me from going crazy" being stuck in the house, Clauson said. "They're always doing something." Clauson said his spirit also has been bolstered by get-well wishes. Dozens of people have sent cards and letters he said he plans to "save forever." "They mean a lot to me. The cards and letters are really important, because so often in police work we don't see the supportive side of the community. And when you finally do see support like this, it's just such a good feeling," he said. "I want to let (the community) know I'm doing OK ... I'm going to survive and life is pretty good." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA