According to officials, Matias Ferreira, 28, will likely be the first active Double amputee police officer in the U.S. when he starts patrolling next week. Reportedly, the U.S. Marine lost both legs six years ago when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Ferreira graduated from the Suffolk County Police Academy Friday and is reportedly excited to start his new job. Ferreira told Newsday that he emigrated to the U.S. from Uruguay when he was a child and always dreamed of being a cop when he was small. He said he is now “eager and excited” to start his new career and to prove himself to his colleagues.

Ferreira wants to show that he is capable of doing the job just as well as someone who has both legs.

President of his class despite being a double amputee

According to a report by USA Today, Ferreira was one among 58 other officers who were sworn in on Friday and reportedly 43 of those other officers also had a military background. The Academy said in a post on their Facebook page that Ferreira was elected president of his class and that he went through 29 weeks of training. Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini said on Thursday how honored they are, and proud to have the new recruits joining their ranks and helping to make Suffolk County an even safer place.

Ferreira doesn’t let his prosthetics hold him back

The New York Daily News reports that Ferreira walks on titanium prosthetics but managed his rigorous 29-week training just as well as the other rookies.

That report went on to say that Ferreira jumped from a rooftop in a compound in Afghanistan which was suspected to be held by the Taliban. He broke his pelvis and lost both legs when he landed on the explosive device below. Since then his injuries have not held him back. The double amputee reportedly rides a motorcycle, plays on an amputee softball team and even saved a baby from a car crash in Queens back in 2015.

A backup plan for the double amputee

According to USA Today, Ferreira even joked about having a backup plan, should he ever break a leg while performing his new job. He said all he will do is go to the trunk of his car and get a new one, put in on, and get back on duty.
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