LUFKIN, Texas — As a two-time cancer survivor, Lufkin Police Officer Seth Thompson knows adversity.
He was injured in a mountain hiking accident and even had to once jump out of the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. However, nothing could have prepared him for an accident that almost took his life.
One May 4, 2019, Thompson was working a minor accident when an SUV jumped a curb and slammed into his Tahoe. The impact of the crash knocked the Tahoe into Thompson, trapping his head and arm in the rear-side window.
Thompson suffered multiple injuries, including a broken hip. He was rushed to the hospital by helicopter for treatment.
After months in the hospital, surgeries and physical therapy, Thompson was deemed well enough for light duty.
However, Friday, Thompson returned full-time to the Lufkin Police Department to return to the job he loves.
"We greeted him today with this 'Novem Vitae' punch card which means 'Nine Lives' in Latin," the Lufkin Police Department said on their Facebook page.
His punch card jokingly had two "lives" marked out, referring to his bout with cancer and the crash. The department says they were not going to count the mountain hiking accident or the close call with the 18-wheeler.
The department says they hope his remaining lives lasts for another 80 years as he returns back to work.
Thank you for your devoted service Officer Thompson!
