Ep. 50 ”Burning Shield”-Jason‘s American Story

On March 26, 2001 Jason Schechterle's patrol car was rear ended by a taxi cab driver at 115 mph as he was experiencing an epileptic seizure.  Jason's vehicle burst into flames.  He had only been a Phoenix police officer for 14 months.

Jason joined the air force after high school.  His family has a strong military legacy, including a grandfather who was a part of the military for 26 years, serving in WW2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  

Jason was in the air force for almost four years.  After his enlistment was up, Jason pursued his life long dream of becoming a police officer.  The admittance tests were challenging, and he did not get in right away.

Jason took a regular job to support his young family, and then on March 26, 1999, his life took a turn.  A Phoenix police officer was shot in the line of duty.  That day Jason decided becoming a public servant was not just something he wanted to do, it was his calling.

Jason's accident on March 26, 2001 left him with 43% of his body burned, including 4th degree burns on his neck, face, and head.  Jason was in a medically induced coma for over two months; and was blind for 9 month with skin grafts placed over his eyes.

Jason defied all odds, returning to the career he loved 18 months later as a public information officer, followed by a homicide detective.

Jason is now retired and is a popular public speaker.  Jason believes, "We should be accountable for everything that happens in our lives, good or bad.

You can buy Jason's book, Burning Shield, on his website at https://burningshield.com/ or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Jason has a podcast called Badge Boys Podcast available on most podcast platforms, and you can follow Jason on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/schechterle_jas/

 

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