On March 31, 2025, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Williams was directing traffic at a large oil tank fire in Livonia.
As fire trucks left the scene, a distracted driver failed to stop, striking Robert and a fire official’s pickup truck. He was knocked unconscious and suffered life-threatening injuries.
“I went airborne, hit the fire truck that was turning and then hit the ground,” Robert says. “My body print was left in the fire truck.”
His injuries were extensive: both legs and ankles were broken, his left knee was fractured, his hip dislocated and his left shoulder’s rotator cuff was crushed. Doctors warned his recovery could take a year — or longer.
Healing with Heart
Robert was rushed to FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake, the region’s only Level I trauma center, where teams stabilized him and began a series of five surgeries.
“They did emergency surgery right away to stabilize everything,” he remembers. “After about a week, they started doing a surgery every day.” Robert spent nearly two months in the hospital, surrounded by nurses and staff who became pillars of support.
“You have some phenomenal nurses and staff up on the sixth floor,” Robert says. “They motivated me. We talked, we cried together.”
Next came inpatient rehab in Baton Rouge, where he learned to move using only his upper body.
“I couldn’t put weight on my legs or anything, so I depended on that one arm to move me around,” he says. Outpatient therapy followed, helping him regain mobility and strength.
Faith, Grit and Gratitude
Throughout recovery, Robert leaned on his faith as a pastor of two congregations.
“Normally things I’d get upset about don’t upset me anymore,” he says. “This accident humbled me. It taught me a lot. Life is precious.”
His determination never wavered. “People told me I was crazy,” he says. “But I told them I was going back to work. I did everything the therapists said to do. I can’t sit home every day. I love what I do.”
Back Where He Belongs
Nineteen years into his law enforcement career, Robert returned to duty just six months after the accident, initially on light-duty traffic assignments at parish schools.
“I love being a police officer,” he says. “I love serving and helping. Meeting new people, seeing new faces, being there when people are in need. I find joy and comfort in that.”
He’s also back in the pulpit, sharing his story of faith and perseverance.
“I tell my church, it’s hard to teach faith if you don’t live it,” he says. “I know it was nobody but God who allowed me to walk again.”
On November 22, Robert will be recognized as an Our Lady of the Lake Geaux Hero during the LSU football game against Western Kentucky, honoring his extraordinary courage, determination and service to the community.
“I’m an LSU fan, and I’ve worked LSU games for years,” he says. “To be recognized on that field, it’s a dream. I’m so grateful. God spared my life, and I want to make it worthwhile. I just want to help somebody else and encourage them that yes, you can make it.”
