Nearly a year after an alleged drunk driver slammed into his patrol car, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper is back at work.
Trooper Chad Blackburn returned to full duty Tuesday.
Last Labor Day, Blackburn was patrolling for drunk drivers when he was hit. He suffered life-threatening injuries that led to 11 months of recovery. For a time, Blackburn was confined to his hospital bed. A day before Thanksgiving, he was discharged from the hospital and continued his recovery from home.
“It was mentally and physically challenging,” Blackburn said.
He’s looked at the photos of the crash aftermath but can’t discuss specifics because the crash is still under investigation.
“Every step of the process was difficult. From understanding and being told that I was in crash, to being confined to a bed, to trying to become mobile… Every step of the process was difficult,” Blackburn said.
Tuwanna Moore, 31, was charged with intoxication assault and causing bodily injury to an officer. Investigators said her blood alcohol content tested at 0.29 when her red Mercedes slammed into Blackburn’s patrol car.
Blackburn says he’s nervous to be back on the job, but having the full support of his wife and children, he’s confident he’ll overcome those feelings.
“I can’t let that control me. I’m out to do a job, I have a responsibility to serve the people in the state of Texas.”
