Denver Police Officer who Lost Leg Pushes Himself to Return to SWAT Duty

What to know

After he was struck by a fire apparatus—a life-threatening injury—during the Denver Nuggets' championship parade in 2023, Denver Police Sgt. Justin Dodge went through multiple surgeries, an amputation and intense rehabilitation to return to active SWAT duty.
Dodge has overcome setbacks and continued to train, eventually passing the physical and firearm qualifications needed to get back on the job.
His journey led him to support others facing challenges, from speaking engagements to creating Heavy Victory, a company promoting resilience and wellness.

By Bob Smith

Source The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Life is full of unexpected tests. How you handle them reveals your true strength and character.

Denver Police Department Sgt. Justin Dodge, 52 — a 28-year veteran of the force, the last 20 years of that on the Metro SWAT unit — said he was always prepared if something would go wrong. He faced numerous dangerous situations on the streets of Denver during his career — from felony arrests, protests, shootings and hostage rescues to barricade situations.

For the Mile High City and the Rocky Mountain region, June 15, 2023, was a joyous day. The Denver Nuggets were celebrating their first NBA championship with a parade through downtown — capped with victory speeches at the Denver City and County Building, cheered by tens of thousands of fans.

On this fateful day, Dodge was going to endure his unexpected life-threatening test. He was attached to the security unit to protect and create a buffer between the fire truck carrying Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, the Kroenke family and the NBA championship trophy.

At the corner of 13th and Cherokee streets, as fans closed in to get a glimpse of the trophy and players, the buffer between the truck and crowd closed.

As the 13-ton truck made the turn, Dodge’s left ankle and lower leg were caught and pulled under a tire. The accident crushed his left ankle and lower leg. Fellow officers and first responders rushed to the aid of Dodge. His injuries were severe and the loss of blood was life-threatening. Two tourniquets were placed on Dodge to control the bleeding. He was put on an ATV and rushed five blocks to Denver Health Hospital.

Fighting back

His rehabilitation and path back to the force started almost at that moment.

With the truck on top of his leg, Dodge thought to himself: “If the tourniquets work and I make it to the doors of Denver Health, I’m going to make it back to SWAT.”

This is the first glimpse of the mindset of Dodge. He’s a fighter, and stayed positive throughout the crisis. As severe and painful as the injuries were, he was mentally prepared for the battle, a day he knew he would eventually face.

As Dodge entered the emergency room, Dr. Cyril Mauffrey, the director of orthopedics at Denver Health, happened to be there when he arrived. Mauffrey and his team assessed the injuries, and decided to perform a leg salvage operation instead of amputation. The surgery stabilized the leg, stopped the bleeding and saved Dodge’s life. But the difficult part was far from over.

Dodge said the “medical team at Denver Health was remarkable,” and thanked the entire staff and his fellow officers and first responders for their actions to help save his life.

After weeks in the hospital and more surgeries, it became apparent the leg wouldn’t survive despite the outstanding medical care.

In mid-July, the doctors decided it was necessary to amputate the leg from below the knee.

Dodge, with the support of his wife and three children, was determined to do whatever it took to get back to active duty despite the long odds. After each surgery (eight total), Dodge would go to gym in a wheelchair and workout and push himself.

Usually an injury of this nature likely would change your career path, but this wasn’t how Dodge wanted to end his law enforcement career.

He worked out for six months since leaving the hospital during his rehabilitation process and was fitted with his prosthesis on Jan. 10, 2024. He then started the process of getting the feel of the prosthesis and trying to regain his balance and strength. Within a month, Dodge was working out and doing drills with his unit. At this point, the rehabilitation and drive to get back to active duty kicked into overdrive.

Staying positive

As he went through the rehab process despite numerous setbacks, Dodge remained positive and focused on his mission to return to active duty.

To help Dodge accomplish his goal, Steve Hess began a training regiment for him at Viking Power, a fitness company in Greenwood Village. Hess was director of performance for the Nuggets from 1996 to 2017.

“Steve was instrumental in pushing me and demanded everything I had to succeed,” Dodge said.

Despite the tough rehab and success in a relatively short period of time, Dodge still had to pass the Denver Police Department standards to regain his status on SWAT.

The evaluation for Dodge’s return to duty involved SWAT firearm qualification, and the DPD SWAT physical ability test that each member of the SWAT team is required to complete twice each year.

Nearly a year after the accident, Dodge passed all the DPD and METRO SWAT requirements and was reinstated to full-time active duty in May 2024.

“It was remarkable that Justin made it after the significant injury,” Denver police Chief Ron Thomas said. “And coming back to do the rigorous assignment is just the icing on the cake.”

Dodge was honored by the Denver Police Foundation as the Denver Police Officer of the Year. He was also awarded the Denver Police Purple Heart award. The presentation of these awards can be seen in this video.

The National Tactical Officers Association officials said they believe Dodge is the only officer in the country to lose part of his leg to amputation and return to full-time duty on a SWAT team.

With the outpouring from the community about his story, Dodge was humbled by all the support people offered — he listened to their stories as well. He realized everybody goes through struggles that challenge them.

Helping others

Dodge has used his experience to help people and the community. He has spoken locally and across the nation giving keynote addresses about wellness and resiliency. He’s worked with patients at Children’s Hospital Limb Differences Program.

PBS produced a five-part documentary, season one of ”Project Kaboom,” following Dodge’s journey from the incident to his return to full-time active duty. The series has been nominated for two Emmys.

Dodge is eager to give back to the community and show that whatever people are going through, staying positive and resilient remains key.

He created a company called Heavy Victory to help people who are having difficulties in their lives, while emphasizing that positive thinking and resiliency can help overcoming adversity.

Dodge is also the director of resiliency and wellness for Kroenke Sports.

The accident changed his life, Dodge said, but didn’t change how he lives his life.

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