DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida police officer is facing a long road to recovery, more than a month after she was struck while trying to help another driver on Interstate 75.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Davie Police Sgt. Patricia Ravine said she’s come a long way since the Aug. 3 accident, but it’s been a difficult process trying to get back to where she used to be. “The hardest thing for me is not being able to be who I was, for my husband, for my kids,” the 35-year-old said as she fought back tears.
Ravine was out of her jurisdiction when she pulled over to help the motorist who, authorities said, was driving drunk when he overturned his white Ford Explorer along the southbound lanes of I-75, near the Griffin Road exit and Royal Palm Boulevard, in Weston, at around 11:45 p.m. “I got out and went to check on the driver,” she said.
According to investigators, Ravine turned on her lights and was on the shoulder with her back to the road when the driver of a Kia sedan became distracted and failed to move over, striking Ravine. She flew into the air, and when she landed, she hit her head.
The 10-year veteran sustained a traumatic brain injury and significant internal injuries. “I have a lot of pain in a lot of different areas in my body,” she said. “I can’t walk on my own. I can’t do anything that I could do before.”
Ravine said she struggles with short-term memory loss due to her brain injury. “I have a difficult time recalling recent information,” she said.
Nevertheless, her husband said, the fact that she survived the accident is nothing short of astonishing. “It’s a miracle, and we have to thank God that she’s here,” said Shawn Ravine.
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Ravine became emotional when expressing her gratitude for those who were by her side while recovering in the hospital. “It’s been so moving to feel the support of my family. My husband and my mom have been with me 24 hours a day,” she said as she wiped away tears. “The support that I’ve gotten from the Davie Police Department and people I don’t even know who have sent me cards and just these little notes. I think that is what has pushed me.”
Despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis, Ravine is thankful for her four children, who continue to push her with her rehabilitation. “I’m seeing my doctors and just trying to overcome, so I can get back to doing what I love, and that’s serving the community and being a police officer,” she said.
The officer said she is trying hard to make progress in her recovery, so she can get back out on the road and do the job she loves. “As hard as I can, with everything I have, for my family,” she said.
She also had a message for drivers. “You need to pay attention to your surroundings,” she said. “Leave your texting for when you reach your destination. Leave your social media for when you reach your destination and pay attention. When you see a police car, move over.”
Ravine’s prognosis is unknown.
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