Matt
“I don’t want to sit on the porch. I want to work, I want to chase, and I want to win the race.”
It’s that no-nonsense attitude that helped New York State Trooper Matt Swartz succeed when others were sure he was setting himself up for disappointment. After the loss of his leg in a car accident that nearly killed him, it was difficult to believe he would be able to overcome major physical challenges and return to full and strenuous duty as a trooper. But less than a year following his injuries he made history as the first-ever amputee to return to active duty as a trooper in the state of New York.
Matt considers his Otto Bock LuXon® Max DP dynamic pylon foot his ‘main law enforcement tool’ along with his gun, badge, handcuffs and patrol car. Says Matt, “When I got the LuXon Max DP, I was able to sprint and slam to a stop if necessary. That’s when I knew I was ready to come back to work because I really had a good chance of catching a bad guy. I also run 5K’s, climb fences, ride bike, downhill ski and horseback ride. I do everything on this leg, and I do it well.”
Matt has also received full clearance to return to fighting fires as a captain with his local fire department, and he has been honored at the State Capitol as an extraordinary public servant and presented an Assembly Excelsior Award for Excellence.
Looking back, Matt realizes it hasn’t been an easy journey to get where he is today, but he hopes he’s set an example for others to follow. His winning combination?
“Heart, determination and courage. Put those together, and you’ll find success.”
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Matt’s lower limb prosthesis includes the LuXon Max DP dynamic pylon foot. The LuXon Max line of feet combine the cushioning of urethane material with the strength and flexibility of carbon fiber, and the unique transverse split sole mimics Matt’s natural motion and flexibility. These high tech yet simple design elements allow him to enjoy a smooth gait, unparalleled stability and excellent terrain performance.
