INDIANAPOLIS -- After four years and nine surgeries, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Brian Snyder returned to police duty this week.
He was hurt in March 2013 when he was investigating a crash in the northbound lanes of I-65 near Mile Marker 92 around 2 a.m. Snyder was standing outside his car when he noticed a semi truck coming toward him. He dove into his car as the semi sideswiped it, escaping serious injury.
The semi that hit his vehicle stopped at first, then left the scene. It was never found.
His injuries turned out to be more serious than previously thought. Snyder needed five surgeries on his hand and four on his back. Snyder spent four years in the hospital.
"It was awful... the problems that we had to go through, me and my family, not knowing the future," he said.
Doctors repeatedly told him he wouldn't be able to return to active duty, but he refused to believe that, and worked on getting back to duty.
"I've always wanted to be an Indiana State Trooper. That's my dream," said Snyder, a 19-year veteran of the Indiana State Police. "I wanted to come back because this is all I've ever known to be an Indiana State Trooper."
"Brian is a model trooper, we are thankful he has been able to recover from his injuries, he had a long road to recovery and his commitment to returning to duty demonstrates his passion for being an Indiana State Trooper," Indianapolis District Commander, Lt. Jeff Payne said.
With a plate in his back, two rods and two screws implanted, Snyder was given the all clear to return to duty.
"My number one goal was to be healthy again and not have pain. My number two goal was to be back working again," he said.
