OFFICER FLYING HIGH DESPITE LIMB AMPUTATED AFTER ALPINE ACCIDENT

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By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2013 (Alpine) --A San Diego Police officer who lost his leg after his motorcycle was struck by a sedan Alpine back in June is now flying high. Today, James “Chappie” Hunter donned a jet pack to soar over Mission Bay, raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation and his own medical bills.

"I'm doing amazingly great," Chappie, 41, told ECM news partner 10News. This week, he is also being fitted for a prosthetic leg.  "I've already stood once for the first time last week and I'll be walking later this week for the first time," he added.

Chappie was all smiles during Sunday's event to raise money for his medical bills and for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Supporters pledged $1 for every foot Chappie ascended in the air. The event raised over $1,000, 10 News reports.  You can view a video here: http://www.10news.com/news/sdpd-officers-recovery-reaches-new-heights-james-chappie-hunter-rode-jet-pack-over-mission-bay-09292013

Chappie has spent nearly two decades on the police force and was with the Human Trafficking division, though off duty, when the accident occurred. He hopes to return to light duty with the police department this fall and be back full-time next summer.


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