Police officer Jason Farrell back fighting crime after fight for life
A horrific incident while on duty left NSW Police officer Jason Farrell clinging to life. But the senior constable is now back serving the community after making a miraculous recovery.
NSW
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Nine months ago Jason Farrell was lying on a dark and deserted country road in the night, fighting for life from serious head and leg injuries after being hit by a car but today the courageous police officer is back at work.
His recovery from those horrific injuries has inspired friends, family, fellow officers and his superiors, who said most people would have “walked away” from the job after going through such a nightmare.
But this dedicated officer was driven by the goal of getting back to the job he loves.
Senior Constable Farrell admitted he doesn’t “remember a great deal of the incident itself”.
He and his partner were chasing an allegedly stolen ute on the Monaro Highway, about 10km outside of Cooma.
During a foot chase, police will allege the ute driver then jumped into a small white sedan, which collided with the police officer.
Three people have been charged over the incident.
Region commander Superintendent John Klepczarek said Senior Constable Farrell’s partner did everything she could to help.
“At the time of the incident it was pitch darkness, his partner should also be acknowledged in this she held him and tried to administer as much first aid as she could,” he said.
“It was an isolated location with no street lights, no real moon.
“Part of the trauma she experienced was not only dealing with him in the dark but wondering how long before medical assistance would arrive. She needs to be acknowledged for her part in making sure Jason survived.”
He was flown to Canberra Hospital, with the serious head injuries obviously causing the most concern.
Farrell said, with understatement, those early days “caused the most pain and anguish to my family”.
But he has battled back.
“There has been an outpouring of support and kindness from the community over the past nine months which has really helped me and my family as I recover,” he said.
“The support I’ve received from members of the community, as well as my brothers and sisters in blue, has been overwhelming and humbling; I thank everyone who has wished me well in my recovery and my return to work. I love my job, I enjoy helping people and I am just happy to be here.”
Supt Klepczarek said there was still more recovery ahead.
“He is definitely one dedicated officer, chomping at the bit to get back to the frontline,” he said.
Supt Klepczarek said that attitude was “definitely an inspiration to me as a commander and other police officers”.
“Here is a fellow who almost paid the ultimate price in protecting his community and is still suffering because of it … but his only thoughts is to return to full duty and continue doing the job he loves.
“His family (has gone) through a lot of heartache and stressful times and they should be acknowledged as well. They really stepped up when he needed it most and they are now supportive of him and his wishes to step back into harm’s way.
“It’s a big ask of a family and that’s why we can’t say thank you enough to families of police officers.”
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