MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — In 2023, Sergeant Patrick Kepp was trying to stop a suspect during a police chase in October, when he was hit by the driver. His heroic efforts were captured in headlines but he is being awarded for even more heroic efforts that began long before the crash that caused him to lose his legs.
On Thursday, the Montgomery County Police Department announced that Kepp was given two awards from the Maryland Highway Safety Office for his outstanding achievements in combating drunk and drugged driving in 2022.
Kepp was given his awards by Maryland Highway Safety Office Director Tim Kerns and MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer after the officer missed the Law Enforcement Award luncheon.
"Your name was mentioned several times, so maybe your ears were burning," joked Nizer in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kepp was deploying "stop sticks" when he was severely injured after a driver hit him going 110 mph. Prosecutors say the crash was intentional. Kepp was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but ultimately had both his legs amputated.
He has since been discharged from UMD Medical Center Shock Trauma and is undergoing intense physical therapy. As for the future, he plans to return to the force.
"I didn’t join to sit behind a desk and push papers," Sgt. Kepp said in an interview with WUSA9 in December 2023. "I want to be back out, in charge of the alcohol unit, making stops, locking up drunk drivers. I’ll be back. There’s nothing the prosthetic legs will prevent me from doing."
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