Judge Burch returns home after cycling accident
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By Steven Spencer
Judge Burch returned home this past Tuesday after suffering severe injuries during the Monday, June 19, Juneteenth Holiday.
Burch said with the day off he and his family decided to visit the Grafton area and go on a bike ride with one of his daughters at Pere Marquette. He said they were having a nice bike ride when he lost control of his bike while going down an incline.
Fortunately, his daughter was able to mantain control of her bike, but Judge Burch and was thrown from his and received several severe injuries.
“I was able to call 911 and the first person on the scene was Mike Angel from Grafton P.D. and through his intervention was able to get tourniquets fashioned out of his shirt and my shirt to stop a fair amount of blood loss, and was able to coordinate from there getting the first responders out, and ultimately getting a helicopter out to take me on to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis,” Burch said.
Burch said with several deep lacerations, a broken femur and broken fibula, surgery was needed along with about week long stay in the hospital.
Burch said after finally deciding to take a look at a photo of his injuries it seems as though he was dangerously close to possibly losing his leg.
“I was fortunate that I did not, and it’s due to the intervention of the medical personel and certainly due to efforts of Officer Angel on the scene. They had a lot of good people taking care me. I feel very fortunate that I’m here, and I can well anticipate that I will make a full recovery.”
Officer Angel, a former Calhoun officer, was awarded a Life Saving Certificate from the City of Grafton for his actions on the scene that day.
“Certainly I’m indebted to him for his fine efforts,” Burch said.
Despite some injuries still being tended to today, he said he anticipates getting stitches removed next week and being able to return to work.
Burch also expressed his gratitude towards his wife who has had to pick up his usual chores around the house, his family, his colleagues, and the incredible amount of support he’s received from the community.
“I certainly appreciate all of their thoughts and well wishes,” he said.
