How One Glendale PD Lieutenant Beat a 90% Chance of Death After a Devastating Crash!

GLENDALE, AZ — A significant moment unfolded recently for Glendale Police Lieutenant Wade Kamman as he returned to full-time duty, stepping into a patrol car after overcoming severe mental health challenges and life-threatening medical conditions. "It feels amazing," Kamman said. "It's like I've gotten a new lease on life."

Kamman's journey has been arduous, spanning over two years and deeply rooted in the trauma associated with serious child abuse cases, which took a considerable toll on his mental and physical health. "I was dealing with PTSD and depression," he reflected, illustrating the heavy burden he carried.

The turning point for Kamman came during a motorcycle training exercise, intended to prepare him for joining the traffic unit. "It sling-shotted me off of the high side, which is the right side of the bike," he recounted, highlighting the incident that dramatically altered the course of his life.

Dr. Anup Shah, an orthopedic surgeon at Banner University Medical Center, treated Kamman's initial injuries, which included an ACL tear and a lateral bucket meniscus tear. "His knee was locked; he couldn't walk," Shah explained, describing the immediate challenges Kamman faced. However, the situation soon escalated as doctors at Banner University Hospital uncovered additional, life-threatening conditions during surgery to repair his leg.

Kamman was found to have multiple blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and an undetected heart defect. "They were able to remove all these clots and really probably save his life," Shah noted, emphasizing the vital role played by the vascular surgeons in his recovery.

These medical setbacks could have ended Kamman's career permanently, but instead, they ignited a determination within him to pursue a new life. "You can choose to let it affect your life negatively and just focus on the bad, or you can choose the path where it can be one of the best things that ever happened in your life," he stated, showcasing his resilient mindset.

His recovery was not solely physical; it required significant mental and emotional healing as well. Kamman underwent profound changes, shedding weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle. "I went from 440 or so pounds. I am now about 220 pounds. I literally cut myself in half," he shared. As he navigated this transformation, he recognized the importance of mental health support, stating, "When I finally understood the importance of that mental health piece, like therapy and being able to talk about it with my peers and my family and being able to really seek that help, is when I really was able to get to a happier place.”

Now, Kamman proudly leads the very traffic unit that nearly cost him his career just a few years prior. "If I can do it and I can overcome my struggles, anybody can. It just takes that first step along that journey to really break through and become better," he encouraged, offering hope to others facing their own battles.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating how challenges can be transformed into motivation and strength, and highlighting the critical importance of mental health resources for those in high-stress professions like law enforcement.