Injured deputy says his job is worth it

ST. ANTHONY — A local deputy is recovering from severe injuries he received while responding to an accident.

“Never in a million years, would I thought it would have happened,” Deputy Joe Powell says.

It’s been a week since Deputy Joe Powell was severely injured while responding to another crash. He says he can’t recall a thing.

“I don’t know, I don’t remember. Call my wife I can tell you I kept telling them that,” Powell says.

Powell and another deputy were on the scene of another wreck on highway 20 near Island Park when the accident happened.

“There was a crash, a vehicle versus deer, we wasn’t sure exactly where it was at, we just knew it about 15 minutes from the (Montana) state line,” Powell says.

That’s when another vehicle lost control and smashed into the patrol cars.

Powell’s leg was crushed and his collarbone was broken.

Another man, helping with the previous accident, was also hurt.

Powell’s father said he was grateful it wasn’t worse.

“I was probably expecting more, I felt lucky that he wasn’t hurt any worse.

Deputy Powell and his colleagues know they risk their lives everyday to keep the community safe.

“We’re all aware of the danger of the job everyday, but you just never know, and I think we’ll just move forward by supporting Joe, and supporting the others that were injured in the accident.” Quayle said.

“Law enforcement is out there 24/7, 365 days, law enforcement sacrifices a lot, but it’s well worth it. I love my job. I love working with the community and serving the community,” Joe Powell said.

Local law enforcement says they are grateful for the community’s outreach.