Paralyzed Portland officer honored for service
PORTLAND, Ore. -- A Portland police officer who was paralyzed when a tree fell on him during training was honored Sunday for his service to the police bureau.
Officer Paul Meyer was participating in ATV training at Hayden Island on Nov. 19 when the tree fell.
His doctors do not believe Meyer will ever regain the use of his legs.
Sunday, Portland Police Chief Mike Reese presented Meyer with his 20 Year Service Pin in a ceremony at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. A room of family, friends and fellow officers gave him a standing ovation.
"I feel so fortunate just to have survived this thing and to be who I am still," said Meyer. "And to have this support is just what keeps us going, keeps me going every day, keeps the family going every day."
Meyer said he expects to be released from the hospital next month and will eventually go back to work for the police bureau.
"Things are good. I'm lucky to be alive. I'm lucky to be who I am."
In his 20 years, Meyer has served on the bureau's Special Response Team, which was organized to respond to riots. He's also been a sniper on the Special Emergency Reaction Team.
"I don't have limitations," said Meyer. "There aren't any. I'm just sitting down now. Kids got a little taller than me a little fast, but that's alright.
"There is so much to live for that it is unbelievable."
While Meyer's medical expenses will be covered, friends have set up a fund to help with other expenses, like converting the family's home and vehicles to allow wheelchair access.
If you would like to help out, an account has been established at Advantis Credit Union. Contributions can be made in person or mailed to any of the credit union's branches with the following information:
Officer Paul Meyer Fund
Account # 809390
You can also send cards to:
Portland Police Bureau SERT
Attn: Officer Meyer & Family
449 N.E. Emerson Street
Portland, OR 97211
He won't stop. I can see the determination in his eyes. He's a great example of a positive thinker.Â
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Congrats on your 20 years of service! Here's to 20 more!
Salute!
What a tragedy.. I am happy he survived, I would like to see him return to some job if he feels fit to do so..
Thank you for your service to our city..
This story could have been so much more tragic.  His sibling is one of my closest friends and his survival, progress and especially his attitude are a wonderful inspiration  her.  He's a good brother.
We also can learn well from this person.
I wonder if E-stem can help.Ther is new technologies that might help him to walk some day using electrical stimulation to spinal nerves.
"I don't have limitations," said Meyer. "There aren't any. I'm just sitting down now. Kids got a little taller than me a little fast, but that's alright.
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"There is so much to live for that it is unbelievable."
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Officer Meyer you are an inspiration! Best wishes and thank you for your selfless service!
It hasn't been all that long since Officer Meyer was injured, so his doctors might not have released him to RTW quite yet... in the story, he says that he won't even be out of the hospital until next month...Â
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Congratulations on the 20-year pin, Officer Meyer..! Â Â I'm sure you will be a welcome re-addition to the PPB when the time comes..! Â :-)
 @margay1 Margay, I have hope in OHSU's experiments in cellular regeneration using stem-cell research. This type of injury needs to disappear in our lifetime!! This man has too much to offer his family...
A 20-year pin for a hero grievously injured in the line of duty/training? Isn't there anything else that can be done for him now? Isn't there a job he could still be doing? I would want to still be doing something, even if no longer able to walk. I sure hope he eventually recovers some mobility!
 @jpk He could be a detective.. He might be able to persue other means of law enforcement..and just cause he is in a chair, he still can practice shooting,
He also could serve as one to teach gun safety.
@jpk Sgt. Simpson said previously that "when he was ready to come back to work, we will have a job for him". And, he "earned" that 20-year pin, and I am sure he is very proud of it! Plus, I am certain that it meant a lot to him to have his friends, family and fellow officers share this moment with him and his family. You can see how proud his sons are of him! Congratulations, Officer Meyer!
 @Shintagirl  @jpk I can only hope that his home will be re-done to accept his disability by the incredible folks in the PDX Area!! Sgt. Simpson I trust, Chief Reese I do not...