PHOENIX — More than five years after a fiery crash severely burned his face and left his hands permanently deformed, Jason Schechterle is taking medical retirement from the Phoenix Police Department.
In March 2001, a speeding taxicab slammed into the back of Schechterle's patrol car, causing it to burst into flames. He suffered fourth-degree burns to his hands and face and wasn't expected to live.
A priest administered last rites. Schechterle lay in a coma for three months and woke up blind.
After 51 surgeries, Schechterle can see and is independent again. He helps his three children with their homework and runs errands for his wife, Susie. He drives, plays golf and said he feels normal.
"Everything, after five years, has finally come to a stop. I'm not going to get better. I'm not going to get worse," Schechterle said. "This is where I'm at, and this is where I'm going to stay. I'm definitely proud of where I've come in five years, and I'm happy where I am."
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A homicide detective, Schechterle was back at work on light duty, and all he needed for a full comeback was to shoot well enough to carry his gun again.
But with each round that didn't hit its target, with every time he couldn't reload his magazine quickly enough, the dream faded. His hands were simply too damaged.
Without a gun, Schechterle could never carry a case all by himself. He had to take another detective with him wherever he went.
"He wants to give his all and do everything to the best of his ability, and if he can't give 100 percent, forget it," Susie Schechterle said. "He just needs to go in a different direction in life."
Schechterle has signed up to be a reserve officer and will volunteer his time in homicide. He plans to stop by the Police Department at least once a week.
"I still get recognized, but there's a lot of people out there who don't know me," Schechterle said. "I've had to learn to be more comfortable just being Jason than being 'that police officer that got burned.' "
At his retirement party in October, a scholarship will be named for Schechterle. It will help pay for college for the children and spouses of officers and firefighters catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
