State Trooper Blake Richardson, recovering from massive injuries during an on-duty accident, was honored for years of service and leadership Thursday.
His son's school, Westview High School in Avondale, hosted a ceremony for the 10-year Department of Public Safety veteran.
Richardson, a motorcycle trooper, was hit by a car while wrapping up a traffic stop on I-10 in west Phoenix in January. He tells ABC15 he does not remember anything from the day he was hurt
Richardson also served in the Marines, spending time deployed overseas and becoming a member of the color guard. The trooper was moved to tears as old military buddies surprised him.
They joined state troopers and family members to celebrate Richardson's public service and to lift his spirits during recovery.
"Every thought and prayer... has been noted," Richardson said.
Richardson is 6 feet 5 inches tall and says he lost 50 pounds since the accident. The trooper, who had braces on both legs, is going to physical therapy three times a week as he tries to regain strength.
"I have a lot of guys that I work with and in my support system that are going to be extremely helpful and help push me through," Richardson said.
He says the doctors expect he'll need two or three more surgeries. It's unclear when and if he'll return to the force, but he's also thinking about options like going to college.
"Obviously God has something else to do with me to do on this planet, and I have no idea what it is, or why it is, or what it's going to be... but I honestly believe He has yet to be done with me," Richardson said.
