Oxnard Police Officer Makes History as First Amputee on Force
Recently, the city of Oxnard made history. A veteran of the U.S. Navy became the first member of the Oxnard police force with an amputated leg after successfully completing his training at the Camarillo Training Center for Criminal Justice.
The Details
Officer Aaron Heldreth, age 31, lost his left leg following a motor vehicle accident in San Diego in 2008. At the time of the accident, Heldreth, 22, had served in the U.S. Navy for around five years. After undergoing multiple amputation procedures on his left leg and other surgeries, he was able to rejoin his construction dive team with the Navy. He stayed in the Navy for eight more years.
Background
Heldreth held a 4.0 average in college, where he received a bachelor’s degree. In addition to being a fast runner, he entered swimming competitions with the Wounded Warrior Games and won several gold medals.
Police Officer
Heldreth decided it was time for a new career, and one of the choices he considered was as a police officer. Thinking it would not be possible for him to pursue becoming a policeman because of his leg amputation, he was surprised that the recruiter for Oxnard was receptive to the idea. The training course was grueling and lasted six months. One part of the training was the physical fitness regimen required of police officers.
Graduation Day
Heldreth’s wife and family joined him and the families of the other 45 graduates at the performing arts center in Oxnard for the graduation ceremony. He is pleased to be able to stay in the city where he has lived for many years.
Amputations Result in Life-Altering Changes
When an individual loses a limb due to the negligence of another individual, their life changes. Suddenly, routine tasks seem insurmountable, and returning to work, mainly if the work involves physical prowess, seems like a dream. However, with the advent of functional prosthetic devices for limb control and the use of rehabilitation techniques, the person can work to re-enter daily life. While not everyone achieves the same level of rehabilitation, each person has individual goals.
Amputation injuries often result in surgical intervention, extended hospital stays, prostheses, and periods of not being able to work. Rehabilitation therapy can help individuals return to work or care for themselves. None of this is inexpensive.
Compensation for Amputation Injuries
To receive proper care after an amputation injury, an individual must be compensated for the financial loss his or her injuries caused. In some cases, insurers may cover expenses. However, if demands for recovery are unmet or the negligent party refuses to assume liability, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit.
Attorney Ed Smith
Choose an Amputation Injury Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
I am Ed Smith, an Oxnard amputation Injury lawyer, and I am happy to report Officer Aaron Heldreth’s brave story. I’ve seen the devastation amputation injuries can cause. Because of that, I use my experience to fight for people who have had accidents resulting in amputation to get them fair and just compensation for their injuries.
If you or a family member suffered such an injury, call me at (805) 372-0200 locally or (800) 404-5400 toll-free. I am here to answer your questions and provide free and friendly advice.
If you want to know more about my previous cases, visit my Verdicts and Settlements page.
You can see how my clients rated my service on Yelp and Google. On Avvo, you can read what other attorneys had to say, too.
I belong to the MiIlion Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of attorneys with millions of dollars or more in settlements or verdicts.
Photo Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amputation#/media/File:RPG_wounded_Iraq_veteran_exercising_Army-dot-mil-2007-02-07-103140.jpg
Source: http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/2017/04/06/amputee-joins-oxnard-police-after-finishing-academy/100022518/
: cd