DENVER, COLORADO: A Denver police sergeant who suffered a severe injury to his leg while working at the Nuggets NBA championship parade in June has lost his limb. Seargent Justin Dodge was ahead of a fire truck that carried Denver Nuggets players during the June 15 celebration, trying to keep the crowd from getting onto the street when the truck ran over his left leg, Denver police Chief Ron Thomas said at a press briefing. The crash happened at about 11.30 am near the end of the parade route at West 13th Avenue and Cherokee Street.
According to an update on a website set up to raise funds for him and his family, the police officer had his leg amputated. "Urgent help needed. Support SWAT Sgt Dodge as he recovers from a leg amputation," the family wrote on a fundraising website, sgtjustindodge.com.
'The officer was doing his job'
Dodge had to undergo surgery the same day and the Denver Health Medica Centre emergency room chief feared that injuries could threaten his leg. The police, on the request of the family, had not revealed the health update and told The Denver Post last week, “At the request of the family, we are not providing updates on Sgt Dodge’s recovery at this time." The website in Dodge's name links to a Denver Police Foundation donation page and as per a spokesperson of the Denver Police Foundation clarified to the publication that they are not responsible for setting up the fundraiser, but only for receiving donations for Dodge’s family.
Police chief Thomas, at the time, said that the fans were able to "overcome" the fencing which was in place to keep people out of the street. Besides, police officers were also along the parade route and around vehicles carrying Nuggets players. He, as per 9 News, said, "The only safety challenge we faced at that point was the injury that happened to the officer as he was protecting these community members from the firetrucks," Thomas said. "The officer was doing his job, protecting the public, and unfortunately was injured," reported CBS news.
'We cannot express how full our hearts are with the love'
"We cannot express how full our hearts are with the love, support, prayers, and concern that has been shown to our family," the family said in a message on the website. They added, "Please forgive us if we have not responded to your texts, emails, or messages. We have read every one and have been thankful for them all even if we have not responded directly. Despite how trying the last several weeks have been, it is only when we think about this outpouring of concern that we have been overtaken and overwhelmed with emotion and gratefulness. While a thank you is not sufficient to repay your kindness, thank you, nonetheless." The donation website also lists an event called the GI and No-GI Seminar scheduled at the National Western Complex on August 27 to help support Dodge’s recovery efforts.
Sergeant Justin Dodge's heroism which won him Medal of Valor
Sergeant Justin Dodge is a hero who neutralized a dangerous narcotics dealer in 2015 who threatened his fellow officers with a raised gun. In a 2015 Facebook post of the Denver police department, it details how he also showed calm professionalism by securing the scene and getting medical help for the suspect. He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his genuine and unequivocal heroism. "Sergeant Dodge displayed genuine and unequivocal heroism as he actively sought to protect civilians and fellow officers and we are proud to announce that because of this, he was awarded the Medal of Valor by the Denver Police Foundation!," the post read.
