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Double Amputee Marine Vet Becomes NY Cop

March 24, 2017 by 911media

A double amputee Marine veteran fulfilled a childhood dream Friday when he was sworn in as a police officer.

Matias Ferreira, 28, is believed to be the first full active duty double amputee officer in the United States. He and 59 other recruits were sworn at the Suffolk County Police Department graduation, the department wrote on Facebook.

Ferreira was in Afghanistan on a tour with the U.S. Marines in 2011 when he stepped on an IED and lost both of his legs below the knees. He also suffered a broken femur and pelvis.

Ferreira told Newsday that he didn’t let the titanium prosthetics hinder him from becoming an officer. He knew he just had to work harder.

“I was given a second chance,” he said. “Not many people survive an IED blast like I did. I don’t want to be one of the guys who just kind of gives up on themselves.”

Police Commissioner Timothy Sini said Ferreira, who was elected president of his recruit class, is the “quintessential example” of what they look for in their officers.

“This is someone who served our nation, paid a significant sacrifice, and is now able to overcome adversity in a tremendous way,” Sini told Newsday. “He’s done a terrific job as a recruit in the academy, both physically, academically and in his leadership to the other recruits, and he’s going to make a fine officer.”

During the 29 weeks of training, Ferreira completed everything his fellow recruits did. He completed his mile and a half within 11 minutes and received no special accommodations, even when police leaders asked if he needed them.

Lt. Steven Rohde said Ferreira’s answer was the same every time: “I don’t need anything, sir.”

“A lot of guys are like, ‘What happens if one of your legs break?’” Ferreira said. “‘I’m sorry to say, but if I break my leg, I go in the trunk, I put on a new one. If you break your leg, you’re out for a couple months, my friend.’”

He is scheduled to begin his patrol duties next week. According to the department, 43 recruits, including Ferreira have military experience.
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Filed Under: National, News Room

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Happy 249th birthday to our great nation! Wishing everyone a safe and fun Independence Day. Whether you’re on duty or celebrating with loved ones, may today serve as a reminder of the many freedoms we cherish and the sacrifices made by those who have fought and continue to fight to preserve them.

#independenceday #fourthofjuly #freedom #liberty #america #USA

This morning, the Las Vegas Deputy City Marshals graduated three new officers!

These newest additions to the City of Las Vegas graduated from the Southern Desert Regional Police Academy.

Congratulations to Class 2025-01, and welcome to the greatest show on earth.

The graduating class also welcomed officers with the 8th Judicial District Court, University Police, City of Las Vegas Corrections and City of Las Vegas Firefighter Sean Tolster, who received his Category I Peace Officer certification.

Congratulations!

#police #vegascops #vegasstrong #thinblueline #lasvegas #community #lvppa #cops #firefighters #backtheblue #supportlawenforcement

On June 27, 2025, Undersheriff Brandon Gaede of the Phillips County (KS) Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty.

Undersheriff Gaede was attempting to detain a subject for lighting illegal fireworks when the savage produced a gun and engaged him in a gunfight.

Brandon was 30 years old and had been a cop for eight years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Godspeed, brother.

#honorourfallen #supportlawenforcement #backtheblue #lvppa

*Retirement Alert*

Congratulations to LVMPD Police Officer Michael Freeman, who retired this week after serving our community and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for over 24 years.

LVPPA Executive Director Myron Hamm had the privilege of presenting Michael with a plaque on behalf of a grateful association.

Congratulations, brother, on a great career and a well-earned retirement.

#lvmpd #lasvegas #vegascops #thinblueline #backtheblue #supportlawenforcement #lvppa #community #retirement #cops #police

Today we remember LVMPD Police Officer Jason Swanger, who died of complications from COVID-19 on this day in 2021.

Officer Swanger joined the LVMPD on February 12, 2014. He began his law enforcement career working patrol at the Enterprise Area Command (EAC). From there, he transferred to the South Central Area Command (SCAC) before returning to EAC. Officer Swanger became a field training officer and served as a lead officer overseeing the training of new officers during their first year on patrol. He was devoted to the Explorer Program and was active in educating children at Steve Schorr Elementary School and Charles A. Silvestri Junior High School about law enforcement and making positive life choices.

Before joining the LVMPD, Officer Swanger served as a culinary specialist in the U.S. Navy for 11 years. He continued his service to the country by joining the Nevada Army National Guard.

Officer Swanger was known as a devoted father and husband who went the extra mile for those in need and dedicated himself to policing in order to make a difference in others’ lives. He was 41 years old and was survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents and brother.

We will never forget.

#honorourfallen #thinblueline #supportlawenforcement #lvppa

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