A Florida Highway Patrol trooper who was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle earlier this year got a chance to thank those who saved his life on Tuesday.
Trooper Carlos Rosario met with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue first responders at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami, according to WFOR-TV.
"There’s nothing I can say that would tell you how much gratitude I have and love for you guys," Rosario told them during their meeting. "You guys were amazing, seriously. You guys saved me."
The veteran trooper was standing on the shoulder of the Dolphin Expressway near 107th Avenue while operating a radar gun on March 17 when an out-of-control car reaching speeds of more than 80 mph careened into him.
Rosario was thrown about 30 feet by the impact and was barely alive when Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived on the scene. He was then airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center where he underwent emergency surgeries for his face, spine and legs.
Nearly six months later, Rosario is back on his feet and says he will always remember exactly how long it took to walk again.
"Two months, two weeks and six days after the incident," he said.
Hugo Olivares, the driver who struck Rosario, was reportedly texting at the time of the incident and was charged with a felony charge of reckless driving causing serious bodily harm.
