A man poses for a portrait while wearing a police uniform with an American flag behind him
Sgt. Justin Dodge has served with the Denver Police Department as an officer since 1997, the department said. (Photo provided by Denver Police Department)

A Denver police officer received a below-the-knee amputation after a firetruck rolled over his leg during the celebratory parade for the Denver Nuggets’ NBA championship win last month, according to the Denver Police Department.

Sgt. Justin Dodge was walking along the front passenger side of the truck, which was carrying Nuggets players, when fans made their way onto the street during the June 15 parade route, Denver police Chief Ron Thomas said at a new conference that same day.

Dodge was trying to protect the fans when he was struck, said Thomas. Dodge, a veteran SWAT officer, was hit him about 11:30 a.m. at the intersection of West 13th Avenue and Cherokee Street. 

The procedure included a skin graft and Dodge was released from the hospital Monday night to recover at home, according to the DPD spokesperson.