Ryan's Story: Amputee Police Officer Finds Ability in Disability

While issuing a traffic citation on a local highway, Ryan, a 31-year-old police officer, nearly lost his life because of a collision that pinned him between his vehicle and the car he stopped. Suffering a traumatic brain injury, broken vertebrae, and a crushed left leg—and eventually an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg—Ryan survived, but faced a long, difficult road to recovery.

With the support of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and his employer, Ryan successfully returned to work equipped with a special prosthesis. His recovery is a testament to teamwork and a courageous attitude. Ryan’s motivation, goal setting, collaboration, and strong support systems—both at home and at work—made the difference.

Not only did Ryan return to work, he also experienced a personal triumph. He joined BWC staffers Jim Landon, an industrial rehabilitation nurse, and Mukesh Singh, senior compliance officer, on the Wounded Heroes Trek to Nepal. They climbed the Annapurna circuit in that mountainous country to raise awareness about disability rights.