SAN DIEGO (CBS8) - A veteran San Diego Police detective is speaking out about his road to recovery following a terrible motorcycle crash.
"I feel great. I'm alive, that's the most important thing right now, " Detective James "Chappie" Hunter told CBS8. Just three days after losing the bottom part of his left leg in a horrific motorcycle crash in Alpine, the 19 year veteran of the San Diego Police Department says he is ready to live life with no boundaries.
"It's about getting better. Is it going to help me to be depressed and down about it? No. It's more important to get back up on my feed and get going," he said.
With guidance from his doctors and staff at Sharp Memorial Hospital, and support from his wife, parents, family and friends, Chappie is making a remarkably quick recovery. "I'm scared, and don't know what I'm allowed to do, but they told me I have no limits," he said.
His strength and determination are also fueled by wanting to get better for his 5 year old son. "He's sad… He sees daddy hurt, but we sold it to him as daddy is going to get a bionic leg, and that makes him happy," Chappie said, adding, "He'll probably be running around school saying, ‘Daddy's the Bionic Man!'"
Chappie has had hundreds of visitors over the past 3 days, including those who helped save his life. He has met with the citizens who were the first to put a tourniquet on his leg, and he is looking forward to meeting the paramedics who took over from there. He says he is grateful for the Facebook messages and support from the community, as well as the priceless gift of wonderful family and friends. He told CBS8, "The most humbling thing is the fact that I have all these family and friends, that take care of you and help you and mentor you. That gives me the drive to get better and get better quicker. I want to get back to work so I can protect the people who are helping me now."
The Sex Crimes Detective was off duty Sunday night when a 17 year old driver with a learner's permit hit him while he was riding his motorcycle. Chappie tells CBS8 he remembers nothing about that night, but says he considers it an accident and holds no ill will toward the girl or her family. He said, "My heart goes out to them, as I'm assuming their heart goes out to me, I hope." He said he would even be happy to meet her one day.
Chappie says he could go home as early as Thursday.
The San Diego Police Officer's Association has set up a fund in Detective Hunter's name. Donations should be marked for "Detective Chappie Hunter".
To donate please send a check to:
- San Diego Police Officers Association Widows & Orphans Fund
- Checks should be made payable to SDPOA
- Be sure to write "Detective Chappie Hunter" in the memo line
- 8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111