determined to return to the work he loved. In
2015, Elliot was awarded Officer of the Year by the
Vidalia Police Department. But in March 2016, it
was discovered that he had extensive damage to
his lungs from the chemotherapy, which led him to
medically resign from his position with the Vidalia
Police Department. “I’d been through nine surgeries
that included procedures to check polyps that had
formed in my lungs,” said Elliot.
But his time in the uniform was not over. In May
2016, Danny Williamson from the Toombs County
Sheriff’s Office, called with a job offer. “The job
involved working with Lieutenant Mike Harlin, my
supervisor, to maintain security for the courthouse
and all its proceedings.”
Elliot was more than ready to return to work
in law enforcement. He had already begun to train
himself to mentally manage the symptoms of the
lung toxicity so that he was able to successfully
wean himself from his inhaler and other
medications. As he trained his mind to “endure
longer,” his body became stronger as well.
On May 21, 2017, Elliot walked a Marine Corps
Half Marathon in Virginia, 13.1 miles, in three hours
and forty-two minutes. It was never enough for
Elliot to tell others not to give up. “It was my way
of saying thank you to God for getting me through
everything. And I wanted to show people that no
matter what you go through, you can do so much if
you just keep moving forward.” Danny Williamson,
a good friend and training officer for the Toombs
County Sheriff’s Department, walked with him. “He
refused to let me walk alone,” said Elliot. “Right
before the finish line, I saw my wife cheering for me,
and I went over to her to kiss her and nearly fell out
crying. Danny’s wife Kim jumped out of the crowd
and walked with me across the finish line.”
The Marine Corps Half Marathon walk was not
just a goal but part of Elliot’s ongoing lifestyle. “I’m
training now for a power lift with my son, Joseph
Elliot’s 26-year-old son from a previous marriage.
The event is on February 18, 2018, in Tampa,
Florida.”
While Elliot’s personal goals continue to
inspire us, it is his ongoing support for others that
speaks loudest of all. Whether he’s contributing
to those who help homeless vets or organizing a
“Remembrance Walk” in Toombs County to honor
the fallen of 9/11, Deputy Coursey goes far beyond
the call of duty.
A recent post on Elliot’s Facebook page reads:
“Gonna train and attempt a Spartan Race on April
14, 2018, in Fort Mitchell, Alabama…Might put
a team together.” The name of his team? “Team
Johnny Bravo,” of course. TCM
Patient Focused
One-on-one
Customized
Rehabilitation
Programs
• Skilled nursing services
• Complex wound care
• Long-term and short-term
rehabilitation programs
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
• Activity and socialization
programs to promote wellness
• Private and semi-private rooms
• Therapeutic spa bath
• Nutrition and dining services
• Beautiful courtyard and patio
We welcome your calls and invite you to take a
tour of Oxley Park Health & Rehabilitation
912.526.6336 • Fax 912.526.3290
181 Oxley Drive, Lyons
oxleyparkhealth.org
Hometown Living At Its Best 19