Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper who was injured when he fell off an overpass while trying to stop a fleeing vehicle in Salt Lake City has returned home from the hospital.
On Feb. 13, trooper Steve "Odie" Myer fell off an overpass near the intersection of I-80 and 7200 West while trying to deploy tire spikes, according to the Utah Highway Patrol.
Myer was critically injured in the more than 30-foot fall, and he was taken to the hospital where he faced "a long road to recovery."
"After 45 days in the hospital, trooper Odie Myer is home," UHP said on social media Tuesday. "He expresses his gratitude to everyone for the continuous support he has received. We are excited to see him on the path to recovery and are thankful for his strength and dedication to his community."
After 45 days in the hospital, Trooper Odie Myer is home.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) April 2, 2024
He expresses his gratitude to everyone for the continuous support he has received. We are excited to see him on the path to recovery and are thankful for his strength and dedication to his community.#UtahHighwayPatrolpic.twitter.com/CLkIXwiqSm
Myer has worked for the highway patrol for more than 34 years, a Feb 14. statement from UHP says, and has held varied roles, from road trooper to lieutenant. He worked on the security detail of former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, as traffic planning coordinator for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and as an emergency vehicle operations instructor.
He initially retired from the highway patrol in 2006, returning in 2010, and currently serves as motors coordinator for a team focused on traffic enforcement and safety.
"Trooper Myer is recognized throughout the state as a leading expert in motor officer training, high-profile escorts and motorcycle enforcement operations," UHP's statement said.
