CHICAGO (AP) - An Illinois state trooper who spent months in a hospital after a truck plowed into his squad car was released in time to take part in a ceremony honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
On Sunday, Trooper Doug Balder showed up to an event the Chicago Police Department has been holding every year for more than 80 years. He says it was important for him to be there to honor fallen officers as well as thank his fellow law enforcement professionals, family and others for the support they’ve shown in the months he was hospitalized.
Balder was seriously injured and Illinois Tollway maintenance worker Vincent Petrella was killed in January as the two were on an interstate assisting the driver of a disabled truck.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.