Iowa police chief returns to work after being paralyzed

WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) - West Burlington’s police chief has returned to work after being paralyzed from the waist down last year.

The Hawk Eye (https://bit.ly/1OrKYLA ) reports Frank Newberry resumed his duties as police chief last month. Last September, a calcified disc in Newberry’s lower back ruptured, causing instant paralysis. The police chief spent several months learning how to use his wheelchair at Genesis West Hospital in Davenport.

“It’s fantastic to be back to work,” Newberry said. “It keeps my mind busy. Sometimes, I get so busy at work, I forget I’m in a wheelchair. It’s not like the (police work) I used to do, but it’s still great to be back in the department contributing to the community my wife (Lori) and I love.

Newberry, who now has more of an administrative role, says that he has received plenty of support from his wife and the Des Moines County community. With the help of community fundraisers, Newberry and his wife were able to build a new wheelchair accessible home.

“Having this job makes me feel like I’m worthwhile again and that I am still capable of being a productive person. That, in itself, has relieved a lot of depression - one of the main problems for people who find themselves confined to a wheelchair.”

Newberry was also able to get hand controls for his car, so that he could continue to drive. The police chief has been able to overcome many obstacles since his paralysis, but there is still one challenge that he hopes to conquer.

“I am holding out hope I will walk again,” he said. “I’m trying very hard every day to make that happen. I have no feelings in my legs, but the doctors tell me that sometimes the feeling doesn’t come back, just the motor skills. “I owe it to my wife, my family and the community to continue to try and achieve my goal to walk again. I haven’t given up hope, and I never will. I’m not about to let everyone down by giving up now. I still believe in miracles.”

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Information from: The Hawk Eye, https://www.thehawkeye.com