Officer Dave Endicott

[Swat1]

While in chat a few weeks ago, I told those present the story of one of our officers who was critically injured while on duty when he was struck by a reckless driver. I promised to put some photographs of his vehicle up and here they are. However, first I wanted to give those who were not in chat the story behind what happened. I also wanted to post some photos of Dave before the accident, so you can appreciate what he (and all of us) lost that tragic day.

On New Years Day, (Jan 1) 2002 Officer Endicott was on patrol conducting traffic enforcement duties on Oregon State Highway 26. Hwy 26 is a very busy stretch of rural highway averaging 400 cars per hour. Dave was a member of the traffic enforcement team, who's primary duty is to conduct traffic enforcement operations on the Highway and in town.

At approximately 5pm, Dave was driving his marked patrol unit north on Hwy 26 over a small rise in the road where visibility of oncoming traffic is obscured due to the roadway. Dave was traveling approximately 45 mph, due to weather. The weather that day was cold and snowing. The highway was covered in snow pack and ice and considered treacherous.

While Dave continued his patrol he did not know that on the other side of that rise a reckless driver, operating an early '90's model Chevy Suburban was passing other traffic illegally and too fast for road conditions. The suburban was estimated to be traveling at approximately 65 mph at the time of the accident.

Dave came over the top of the rise and was struck head on driver side to driver side. One witness reported, "The officer never had a chance." Unfortunately after the accident Dave was trapped inside the patrol vehicle unconscious. Several witnesses and motorists stopped to help, but were unable to free Dave from the mangled patrol car. Due to weather conditions, Air Life was not able to fly and after an hour long extrication, Dave was transported by ambulance to a level 2 trauma center 78 miles away.

Dave remained in the Intensive Care Unit for three months where he was unconcsious for two. He suffered from a broken left thigh, broken pelvis, broken ribs, punctured left lung, numerous facial lacerations, and brain trauma. Dave was subjected to so many surgeries over the past year I have lost count.

Doctors told Dave he would probably not walk again without assistance and would never work again. Dave proved Doctor's wrong and seven months later was walking on his own. Dave tried to come back to work on limited duty working four hours a week (2 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays) however, seeing the other officer's in uniform, responding to calls, etc. was too much for him to take.

Dave's doctor pulled his work authorization and a few weeks ago declared Dave 100% disabled.

Dave was one of the youngest "old men" I have ever known. The oldest member of the SWAT team, but one of the youngest in spirit.

Here are the photos: (I apologize for those of you with low band connections)

****Well, I tried three times to post the photos however, have been unsuccessful. The photos are in Yahoo, and all it will do is post the hyperlink to it and not the photo itself. SOMEONE HELP.***

Swat1*

[Jynkxxie]

That is too bad, I am sure he was an excellent officer and will be very much missed.

[Jenna]

Heya Swat...

Email me the photos and I will post them on a webpage and link them for you.

JennaKam@msn.com

[Swat1]

Jenna I tried but your email bounced.

Swat1*

[Jenna]

crap i probably need to clean it out....email my aol


BrainzandBunz@aol.com

[Scubapro]

I went to the academy with him. He is a good guy.

[Jenna]

Okay, here are the photos:

Accident Photos

[Lfpdlieu302]

man, that sucks!! question: what happened to the driver of the suburban? did he have any major injuries? was he charged with anything? my heart goes out to the officer, i know how i would be if i couldn't wear a badge anymore.

[10-6@home]

You tell Dave all will be OK. Ive seen troopers killed on the interstates and he's lucky to be alive. I know what it is to have 'copper' in your blood veins, but he can take his pension and start anew god bless you both

[Swat1]

Sorry for the late replies. I have been extremely busy with crime and Dave's retirement dinner (I swear, putting together and coordinating his dinner was like working a murder case). Any way we had Dave's retirement dinner with a great turnout. Emotions were high and I don't like to cry in front of people....

Dave will be fine in the end. It is still very difficult for him and that was obvious at the dinner. He received some great gifts, maybe I can get Jenna to post a couple more photo's.:D

In answer to what happened to the driver of the Suburban regards to injuries and charges. The driver and his whole family (who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident) were treated and released (very minor injuries). Picture suburban v.s. crown vic.

He has been charged with one count of Assault 2, two counts of Assault 3, one count of Assault 4, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangerment. He pled Not Guilty on 3/3/03.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words.

Swat1*

[Jynkxxie]

Originally posted by Swat1



In answer to what happened to the driver of the Suburban regards to injuries and charges. The driver and his whole family (who were in the vehicle at the time of the accident) were treated and released (very minor injuries). Picture suburban v.s. crown vic.

He has been charged with one count of Assault 2, two counts of Assault 3, one count of Assault 4, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangerment. He pled Not Guilty on 3/3/03.

Swat1*

I figured that might be your response about the suburban driver and the passengers. Only time will tell his fate. May God bless you both.

[susumic]

My prayers and best wishes goes out to officer Dave Endicott. Hang in there Dave!!
In the accident photos, which one of the officers is Dave Endicott?