After a devastating incident last year, Sgt. Patrick Kepp of the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is back on duty—and he's not stopping there. In October 2023, Kepp lost both legs when struck by a reckless driver on Interstate 270. Now, after months of surgeries and rigorous rehabilitation, he’s returning not only to his police duties but also to his passion for officiating Division I college football games.
Kepp’s journey has been marked by resilience. In October 2023, 23-year-old Raphael Mayorga allegedly drove into Kepp, who was deploying stop sticks to stop the suspect's speeding car. Mayorga, believed to have a history of baiting officers into dangerous chases, is now facing attempted first-degree murder charges.
Despite the life-altering injuries, Kepp remained determined to return to active duty. “I told Chief Jones at Shock Trauma that I’d be back on the road," he said. "I didn’t mean an office job—I wanted to be back doing traffic safety, keeping the roads safe and locking up drunk drivers, just like I’ve done throughout my career."
Kepp’s comeback started in June when he began training recruits in DUI enforcement, and he’ll soon be leading DUI enforcement efforts in the MCPD's Holiday Task Force. As he continues to officiate games for the Coastal, Ivy, and Patriot leagues, Kepp stands as a testament to strength, demonstrating that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with resolve and dedication.
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Photo: Getty