The hardest day in a wounded police officer's life isn't always the day they're injured in the line of duty.

For many, retired Las Vegas police Lt. Randy Sutton said, it's the day they realize they've been forgotten.

Sutton knows that feeling firsthand. After surviving a career-ending stroke, the former officer founded The Wounded Blue, the nation's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to injured and disabled law enforcement officers.

HEROIC ICE OFFICERS, STAFF MEMBER OPEN UP ON GROWING DANGERS: ‘AM I GOING TO DIE?'

Over the past eight years, the organization has helped more than 17,000 officers nationwide through peer support, advocacy and critical resources.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Sutton hopes the nation takes time to recognize not only those who wear the badge, but also those whose service continues long after they've left it behind.