Miami-Dade Police Maj. Ricky Carter attends ceremony after returning to work

Carter lost both legs in motorcycle crash on I-75

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade Police Maj. Ricky Carter attended the department's promotions ceremony Tuesday, a day after returning to work following a horrific motorcycle accident.

"Physically, he's not standing now, but just like the flag stands tall for this great nation of ours, we will always stand and persevere as law enforcement," Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez said.

Carter received a standing ovation from his colleagues at the ceremony.

"I knew I would come back," Carter said. "I knew I would come back bigger and better and stronger than ever before.”

Carter lost his legs in May after he crashed his personal motorcycle on Interstate 75 near Miami Lakes.

"I had just jumped on a motorcycle to go to a charity event and I woke up with no legs," he said.

Carter said it was tough to take in and his faith was tested on multiple occasions, but he said he tried not to have his motorcycle accident define him or bring him down.

During the hardest days, he thought about those who prayed for him and offered their help.

"I really appreciate everything that the community has done for me, and that's why I have such a desire to get back to work," Carter said. 

Carter was determined to come back on top, three months after the horrific accident.

He said he fought all summer long to return to the job he loves -- one he has had for the past 22 years.

"This is no limitation for me not having legs. I'm still 100 percent committed to serving the citizens of Miami-Dade County," Carter said. 

Tuesday marked Carter's second day back on the job since the crash.

"There was nothing more important than being here today to honor the promotes, because this is their day to celebrate them and the future of Miami-Dade Police Department," Carter said. 

Carter was an inspiration to the room full of officers, turned sergeants, turned lieutenants, turned captains, turned majors, turned chiefs.

"I just want to come to work and do my job and serve the community," Carter said. "If I can inspire others by the story that happened to me and my injuries and how I was able to come back, then that's awesome -- that's great. My biggest concern is that law enforcement, moving forward, has a good foot to stand on and we can do some amazing things."
 


About the Authors:

Layron Livingston made the move from Ohio's Miami Valley to Miami, Florida, to join the Local 10 News team.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.