CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — After several months of recovery, there is finally a welcome home for Cheektowaga Police officer Troy Blackchief.
"Nobody that I know would have been able to survive in this way besides Troy," Cheektowaga Public Information Officer Lt. Jeffery Schmidt said.
It's said miracles can happen every day.
"To persevere and come as far as Officer Blackchief has, I don't know if I would have that strength," John Meyer with Hogs and Heroes said.
However, it's also said that you have to believe in them.
"It is a testament to his character, to his ability to fight, in who he is," Schmidt said.
After several strenuous months of recovery, that miracle walked right through Buffalo's airport fire station. Welcome home Officer Blackchief.
Last February, police were pursuing a stolen car. When he got hit, Officer Blackchief was on duty, deploying stop sticks on Union Road at Route 33. He had a long recovery, taking him far from home to both Chicago and Fort Worth, Texas.
"Just stop and think before you kill somebody or kill yourself," Meyer said, adding, "To steal a vehicle for a joyride, is it really worth it?"
A letter written by the officer's wife announced he would need a new 3D-printed surgically placed skull bone. He got it at Erie County Medical Center in April. In May, Blackchief's new skull grew an infection, and he had to be rushed to a Texas hospital.
"There's so much negativity towards our police. I think they need to know that there are people like us out there that support them," Meyer said.
After four cranial surgeries, co-workers, and family, along with Meyer and Thompson with Hogs and Heroes, a motorcycle group supporting local first responders, military, and veterans, they all welcomed Officer Blackchief home Thursday night.