DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A Miami-Dade Police officer is finally heading home after spending months in the hospital recovering from severe injuries he suffered in a head-in collision.
Mathew Larsh can’t help but smile.
Echoes of support were heard Friday in front of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami.
“It’s a truly amazing day,” Larsh said.
The MDPD officer was determined to walk out on his own after a horrific crash in West Miami-Dade back in April. Using crutches, he made it happen.
It’s been a long and painful journey to get to this point.
Back on April 21, while Larsh was on duty, authorities said an SUV crossed into his path, which left him no room to avoid the violent impact that sent him flying from his motorcycle.
Initially, first responders rushed him to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Larsh said he has no memory of the crash.
“Terrifying to know that that was me,” he said.
The officer suffered injuries throughout his body.
“I severed my left quad, my kneecap was fractured, my bladder was ruptured, my pelvis was fractured,” he said.
After Larsh was taken to the hospital, men and women in blue prayed for him to get better soon.
“As a motorman, you put yourself on the line even more, because as soon as you sit on that motorcycle, you’re in danger all the time, so hopefully, a lot of prayer,” said a police motorman.
Larsh’s recovery has not been easy. The 15-year veteran underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehab.
“I count my blessings to just have been to come away with what I’ve come away with. I believe that God will never give you more than you can handle,” he said.
It was his faith, his military background and his drive that gave him his strength to walk out on his own on Friday.
Larsh’s loved ones and co-workers stood by his side every step of the way.
“We go forward, we get up and keep moving,” he said.
Larsh said he’s thankful for the support of his family, his fellow officers and the team of doctors and therapists who made it possible for him to finally go home.
“Four months ago, I woke up after two and half days of not knowing what had even happened, almost apparently losing my life, and in a bed where I was completely broken, and now I’m walking out the door,” he said.
Larsh is eager to jump back into uniform and return back to work.
“My goal is to be back to full duty before the one-year anniversary of my accident,” he said.
He still has a long recovery ahead of him, but Larsh said he plans to go back to work.
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