12/1/2009 3:02:00 PM DPS Officer critical condition after hit
by tractor-trailer
Kenneth J. Henscheid
Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Officer Kenneth J. Henscheid was injured just after midnight Sunday morning after he was hit by an out-of-control semi-tractor trailer traveling north on I-17 near Munds Park. Henscheid had just arrived to investigate an earlier rollover accident involving a van and had parked his patrol car on the northbound right shoulder of I-17 at milepost 322. The van had been northbound but lost control, crossed through the median and rolled over into southbound lane.
Henscheid was checking occupants of the van when he and the van were struck by the northbound tractor-trailer that lost control and crossed the center median. The impact threw him under a third vehicle, that had pulled over to avoid being struck by the tractor-trailer. He was pinned to the ground. Several citizens lifted the car off him and pulled him free.
One citizen was used the officer's police radio to call DPS dispatch center for help. Officer Henscheid is currently in critical condition with multiple fractures and internal injuries at Flagstaff Medical Center. The collision is under investigation.
Preliminary information suggests the bridge just south of the collision had iced over, contributing to the initial van rollover and the tractor-trailer losing control.
Henscheid, 40, is a 12-year veteran of DPS and has worked out of the Flagstaff area for the past 10 years. He is married with one adult child and three small children, ranging from one to six-years of age.
In addition to citizens who helped, other assisting agencies included the Yavapai and Coconino County Sheriff's offices, Sedona Fire Department, ADOT, Guardian Ambulance, and the Flagstaff Medical Center.
Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Article comment by:
Andrea
My mom and Dad are my heroes. They were the first on this scene, while my mom called 911 my dad rendered help. He and a couple of other people lifted the vehicle that was pinning the officer, who is listed in critical, but stable condition. Then he radioed for additional help from the officer's car. I just thought I would take this opportunity to thank some heroes, with whom we share this Earth. This time they just so happen to be my kin. Best wishes to Officer Ken Henscheid for a full recovery, thank YOU for your heroism and public service.
Very respectfully,
Andrea
Posted: Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Article comment by:
A TIME FOR PRAYER
Our hearts and prayers are with Officer Kenneth J. Henscheid and his family. My husband works for ADOT and was there during that horrible accident. Officer Kenneth J. Henscheid will pull through with all of the love and support of family and friends.
Posted: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Article comment by:
Walt Good
Thanks Dan for running this, the more people that know the more positive thoughts he will be recieving. Ken is part of our extended family and we are concerned. His mother lives in Cordes Junction.
