Neb. Trooper Suffers Stroke During Training
OMAHA, Neb. --
A Nebraska State Patrol trooper based in Omaha is in a fight for his life.
Parnell Matthews, 35, suffered a stroke last week during a training exercise. Matthews, an Omaha North graduate who's been with the State Patrol since 2002, has four young children.
Matthews was flown Feb. 23 to Nebraska Medical Center, where he remains in a coma.
”As soon as I heard it, I had to wrap my mind around the fact that this very close friend of mine had a stroke. I couldn't wrap my mind around that,” fellow trooper Keith Bell said.
Bell recalled Mathews’ dedication to keeping others safe.
”He led the trooper area in DUI arrests,” Bell said.
Matthews is also a drug recognition expert and child safety seat technician, but those closest to Matthews said his true passion is his family.
”(He’s) a phenomenal father of four. He has four boys and he loves each and every one of them. He takes care of them,” Bell said.
The African American Correctional Officer Association has scheduled a fundraiser for Matthews and his family Saturday night at Pieces Lounge, starting at 9 p.m.
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