Matt Johnson
A Denver police officer was seriously injured during the Denver Nuggets championship parade after being struck by a firetruck carrying some of the players.
The Denver Police Department announced Wednesday that Sgt. Justin Dodge was working security at the parade at We. 13th Ave. and Cherokee St. when he was struck by the fire truck as he attempted to save people who made their way onto the street.
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According to police, Dodge was struck as the fire truck rounded the corner on the parade route when it caught his left leg and rolled over it, trapping him underneath.
“I think him being in the place where he was did prevent the likelihood of someone being injured.”
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas on Justin Dodge’s actions during the Denver Nuggets parade
At the first news conference regarding the accident, officials revealed there were concerns Dodge could need his left leg to be amputated. It sustained “very significant” damage, requiring emergency surgery at Denver Health Medical Center.
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According to CBS’ KKTV 11, police are now optimistic about Dodge’s recovery and he has not required surgery to amputate the left leg. The veteran SWAT officer was credited with saving some of those in attendance from being injured by the bus.
Nuggets’ stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, along with team owner Stan Kroenke, were on the fire truck at the time of the accident. Before being placed on another fire truck, witnesses said that Murray tried to calm the crowd down and expressed concern for the officer.
