Max
05-16-2003, 11:29 AM
JPD officer moved to Atlanta rehab hospital
RON HARRIS
The Daily Mountain Eagle
Published May 14, 2003 10:46 PM CDT
A Jasper Police Department motor scout critically injured more than two weeks ago is being moved today to a head trauma rehabilitation center in Atlanta, Jasper Police Chief Bobby Cain said.
Officer James Hobbs, 58, is being transferred to The Shepherd's Center in Atlanta to begin aggressive rehabilitation for injuries he sustained when the motorcycle he was driving collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Alabama 118 and Viking Drive on April 29.
The Shepherds Center, the country's largest catastrophic care hospital, specializes in the treatment of people with spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and other neuromuscular disorders. Hobbs will be flown to the facility this morning, Cain said.
"They see this as a glimmer of hope and are grasping it, so as to give Jim the best chance of recovery possible," said Charlette Keeton, Hobbs' niece.
Hobbs suffered massive head injuries in the accident, as well as a broken arm and several broken ribs. He has been unconscious since the accident, however, family members report Hobbs has been removed from a respirator and is beginning to open his eyes.
"That's encouraging," Cain said.
A fund has been set up at First National Bank of Jasper to help with expenses incurred by Hobbs' wife, Gale, and other family members who continue to stay by his side.
To make a contribution to the fund, you can go by any branch of First National Bank, or drop donations off at the Jasper Police Department on Alabama Avenue. Make sure to designate the donation to the James Hobbs Fund.
Keeton said family members are planning to open a post office box in Atlanta to allow friends and family members to send get well cards to Hobbs.
The accident led police and city officials to permanently suspend motorcycle patrols.
"They're gone," Cain said. "They're too dangerous. I made my mind up while I was on the scene."
Paul Alexander, 72, of Jasper was arrested at the scene of the accident and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Alexander remains in the Walker County Jail.
Alexander allegedly ran a traffic light at the intersection of Alabama 118 and Viking Drive and pulled into the path of Hobbs' motorcycle.
Hobbs slammed into the rear passenger side of Alexander's late model Cadillac and was thrown approximately 40 feet.
COPYRIGHT ® 2003 Daily Mountain Eagle, a division of Cleveland Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://www2.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?[rkey=0020578+[cr=gdn
RON HARRIS
The Daily Mountain Eagle
Published May 14, 2003 10:46 PM CDT
A Jasper Police Department motor scout critically injured more than two weeks ago is being moved today to a head trauma rehabilitation center in Atlanta, Jasper Police Chief Bobby Cain said.
Officer James Hobbs, 58, is being transferred to The Shepherd's Center in Atlanta to begin aggressive rehabilitation for injuries he sustained when the motorcycle he was driving collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Alabama 118 and Viking Drive on April 29.
The Shepherds Center, the country's largest catastrophic care hospital, specializes in the treatment of people with spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury and other neuromuscular disorders. Hobbs will be flown to the facility this morning, Cain said.
"They see this as a glimmer of hope and are grasping it, so as to give Jim the best chance of recovery possible," said Charlette Keeton, Hobbs' niece.
Hobbs suffered massive head injuries in the accident, as well as a broken arm and several broken ribs. He has been unconscious since the accident, however, family members report Hobbs has been removed from a respirator and is beginning to open his eyes.
"That's encouraging," Cain said.
A fund has been set up at First National Bank of Jasper to help with expenses incurred by Hobbs' wife, Gale, and other family members who continue to stay by his side.
To make a contribution to the fund, you can go by any branch of First National Bank, or drop donations off at the Jasper Police Department on Alabama Avenue. Make sure to designate the donation to the James Hobbs Fund.
Keeton said family members are planning to open a post office box in Atlanta to allow friends and family members to send get well cards to Hobbs.
The accident led police and city officials to permanently suspend motorcycle patrols.
"They're gone," Cain said. "They're too dangerous. I made my mind up while I was on the scene."
Paul Alexander, 72, of Jasper was arrested at the scene of the accident and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Alexander remains in the Walker County Jail.
Alexander allegedly ran a traffic light at the intersection of Alabama 118 and Viking Drive and pulled into the path of Hobbs' motorcycle.
Hobbs slammed into the rear passenger side of Alexander's late model Cadillac and was thrown approximately 40 feet.
COPYRIGHT ® 2003 Daily Mountain Eagle, a division of Cleveland Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://www2.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?[rkey=0020578+[cr=gdn