After two-and-a-half years of rehabilitation and recovery, a Maryland State Police trooper who was struck on Interstate 270 is now back on the job.
Trooper Brian DeHaven was welcomed back to duty at the Rockville barrack on Monday with a heartwarming show of support from his fellow troopers who lined up to greet him.
News4 spoke with DeHaven who expressed how wonderful it feels to be back, stating it has been a long journey.
As DeHaven stood outside his cruiser on the shoulder of I-270 in Rockville, a distracted driver crashed into him, resulting in critical injuries and several broken bones.
DeHaven recounted his injuries, which included a broken pelvis, three broken ribs, eight fractures in his back, a punctured lung, and a laceration to his liver, as well as road rash.
DeHaven admitted that there were moments when he felt uncertain about donning his uniform again.
“He said that people telling him that he wouldn’t be able to do it was his motivation, and that was enough for him,” he said.
DeHaven’s life was saved by Montgomery County Police Sgt. Scott Koogle, who happened to be passing by the crash scene on his way to work.
“I made a quick stop to check on the person who got hit, but as I approached, I saw Brian lying on the ground. I immediately halted and provided him with first aid until the fire and rescue team arrived to take him to the hospital,” he recounted.
It came as a surprise to DeHaven when he discovered the staggering number of officers who get injured or lose their lives in crashes each year. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund states that 26 officers have already died in traffic-related incidents in the line of duty this year, which is a 136% increase compared to the first half of 2023.
DeHaven expressed his disbelief, stating “It’s unreal.”
In expressing his thoughts, he emphasized the importance of drivers slowing down, paying attention and adhering to the rules of the road.
Several traffic charges were pleaded guilty by the driver who was involved in the crash that caused injuries to DeHaven.
