Montgomery County police officer who lost both legs plans to return to police department and football field

The Montgomery County police sergeant who was hit by a reckless driver last year, resulting in the amputation of both legs, is considering returning to police duty in the next few months.

On the morning of October 18, 2023, Patrick Kepp attempted to stop 19-year-old Raphael Mayorga of Frederick, Maryland, who was suspected of driving while intoxicated and trying to “provoke” officers into a chase on Interstate 270. Kepp was in the process of using “stop sticks” to deflate the teenager’s tires when Mayorga intentionally hit him, according to police.

Now, eight months and ten surgeries later, 37-year-old Kepp is almost ready to return to police duty and make college football history as well.

In addition to his work with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Kepp works as a linesman in Division 1 college football. He is on track to return for his first game for the Coastal Athletic Association, Ivy League or Patriot League Conference in the fall and would be the first referee with prosthetic legs to officiate a Division 1 game.

Kepp thanks the staff at the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore and the rehabilitation staff at Walter Reed Naval Medical in Bethesda for saving his life and giving him a chance to return to work – something he has been striving for since the crash in October.

“Right after the incident, I was sitting with Pat in the hospital and all he talked about was getting back to work and how he made it back to the football field,” said MCPD Lt. Brendon Johnston, who also referees college football.

Kepp left Shock Trauma in December to enter a long-term rehabilitation program at Walter Reed. There, Kepp’s weekday program includes various swimming exercises as well as weight and exercise therapy.

“I work with a special group of people who have suffered similar injuries, and we benefit from each other during our rehab sessions,” Kepp told WTOP.

At the end of the day, he returns to his residence at Walter Reed Base, where he cooks and does additional private workouts. On weekends, Kepp spends his time at his home in Frederick County, visiting his parents while closely following the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

While some may not remember the exact moments immediately following a traumatic injury, Kepp said he could still remember being taken out of his vehicle surrounded by a pool of blood, and thought to himself that he had never flown in a rescue helicopter before.

Many did not think that Kepp would survive.

“I knew things were bad when I flew to Baltimore to be treated at Shock Trauma, but I just focused on the fact that I was still alive,” he said.

However, it will be a lifelong struggle to come to terms with the reality of losing both legs.

“Losing one leg is bad enough, but losing both legs is even harder to comprehend,” he said.

While he doesn’t say he has three jobs, he has started to play a role off the field and outside of his typical duties as a police officer – inspiring others.

“I’ve met potential police recruits and people interested in law enforcement. But the most fun part is talking to people who are sometimes going through a rough patch. I can give them a positive attitude and help them turn things around for the better, just like I try to do for myself.”

Kepp’s return to the MCPD will be one of the most anticipated events on his calendar, as will his first on-field assignment as a referee in the upcoming college football season.

However, Kepp said: “Just like my job as a police officer, I work at a pretty high level in Division 1 football and I’m not going to go out there if I’m not ready.”

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