On October 11th, 2007 Trooper Scott Hinshaw and Trooper Zach Templeton of the Colorado State Patrol were called to help a motorist that needed assistance on Interstate 76 in Adams County, Colorado. While loading a large water tank onto a trailer another vehicle lost control and struck Trooper’s Hinshaw and Templeton. Trooper Templeton gave the ultimate sacrifice that day and lost his life in the crash. Trooper Scott Hinshaw suffered serious bodily injuries that he continues to recover from today. The tragedy of that day changed the lives of many and the struggles that have followed have been monumental to say the least.
Scott suffered numerous broken bones, soft tissue damage and many other orthopedic injuries. The outlook for Scott returning to the career he loved was not good, but he was up to the challenge. In the 3½ years since the crash Scott has endured numerous major operations and countless hours of physical therapy. Everyone other than Scott doubted he could ever return to his duties as a State Trooper. From the day of the tragedy until now, Scott has been surrounded by many positive and loving people that have helped him develop the tools needed to overcome this adversity. The road has been tough for Scott not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and financially as well. Scott found strength in the friends and family that supported his recovery and made it his goal to return no matter what the doubters were saying. He is back to work for the State Patrol and has a new lease on life. “I want to reach out to other officers in the State of Colorado that are suffering from similar issues that I had to endure. I want to make the recovery process easier then I had to go through, I want them to focus on healing and not on financial worries.”
During the many operations and hours of therapy Scott found that he could ride his bicycle at home. While he had a difficult time walking and was forced to use a wheel chair and walker during his recovery, he could ride a bicycle and used it as an invaluable part of his rehabilitation. During his many hours on the bike an idea was born. Scott wanted to work towards the goal of a multi-day bicycle event to signal that he had made a full recovery. He not only wanted to signal his recovery, he wanted to shout it from the mountain tops. He wanted to show anyone that had suffered a traumatic injury that they could overcome whatever obstacles stood in their way just as he has.
Colorado State Patrol Trooper Scott Hinshaw
One of Scotts many duties as a motorcycle officer with the State Patrol was to escort the numerous bicycle races and tours that occur during the summer months in Colorado. It gave him a chance to meet the many great people that participate in these types of events. “It was more like I was participating in the events rather than working the event. I got to ride my motorcycle and insure that my friends on their bicycles had a safe and enjoyable ride,” said Trooper Scott Hinshaw.
Scott has chosen to ride the Bicycle Tour of Colorado to show anyone that has faced this kind of life changing tragedy that there is hope for a full and complete recovery. During this 7 day event he will travel 463 miles and ride over several mountain passes in an effort to raise awareness and money for the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation. The philosophy of the charity is simple, when a Trooper, Officer or Deputy is injured or killed in the line of duty. He/ She or their family should be focused on healing, both physically and emotionally, not dealing with financial hardships that will surely be present after any tragedy. Scott stated, “after the unthinkable happens in your life you must look forward and continue pressing on no matter what the obstacle. Life must be lived; there is no choice in that matter.” The injury that nearly took Scotts life and his recovery will serve as the motivation for anyone who is put in a similar situation and let them know that a full and rewarding life is the only option. “I want to pay tribute to my friend Zach and let people know that it is not the tragedy that defines your life, it is your reaction and ability to overcome every challenge that accompanies the tragedy that defines you.”
Please help us build a lasting tribute to not only Trooper Zach Templeton, but every Colorado peace officer that has been injured or killed in the line of duty by making a contribution to the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation.
