An incredible comeback story…
Last June, SWAT Sergeant Justin Dodge, a 27-year veteran of the Denver Police Department, faced a life-altering event during the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Championship victory parade.
Tasked with managing the growing crowds, Dodge and his team worked to ensure the safety of thousands while putting themselves at risk.
The truck carrying MVP Nikola Jokić broke off from the parade route, increasing crowd pressure. While navigating a tight turn, the 80,000-pound truck’s tire caught Dodge’s foot, pulling him under and crushing his lower leg.
“I remember exactly what happened,” Dodge told Inside Edition. “I got wrapped underneath the tire, and I could feel it just take my leg.”
Despite the pain, Dodge remained conscious and applied a tourniquet, knowing how critical it was to stop the blood loss. With the help of fellow officers, he was rushed through the dense crowd for immediate medical attention.
Determined to return to duty, Dodge embarked on an intense rehabilitation journey. His commitment to physical fitness before the accident played a pivotal role in his recovery. Even between multiple surgeries, he stayed active, often using a wheelchair to access gym facilities. The support from his wife, a division chief in the Denver Police Department, and their children kept him motivated.
“I didn’t want this to define me,” Dodge says. “I wanted to get back to doing what I love, and I knew that meant pushing through every challenge, every day.”
By January 2025, just six months after his injury, Dodge was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Amazingly, by May, he returned to active duty with the SWAT team, leading operations once again. His comeback was even faster than he had initially hoped.
Beyond his work in law enforcement, Dodge has embraced a new role as a motivational speaker. He founded Heavy Victory, an organization focused on overcoming adversity. His message is simple but powerful: “You don’t get to choose what happens to you, but you do get to choose how you respond.”
Sgt. Justin Dodge’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a never-quit, “no excuses” mindset.
Last year, Dodge even had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Coors Field before a Colorado Rockies game.
Watch the clip below:
Video: What an awesome moment as @DenverPolice Sgt Justin Dodge throws out the first pitch at Coors Field pic.twitter.com/oEqBvvFpjT
— Dave Althouse (@davealthouse) April 5, 2024
