Heights policeman critically injured in accident with deer Posted On: Thursday, Nov. 5 2009 04:51 AM By Victor O'Brien
Killeen Daily Herald

HARKER HEIGHTS – A 26-year-old Harker Heights police officer remained in critical condition Wednesday after being injured in a crash on U.S. Highway 190 Tuesday.

Harker Heights police are optimistic Jeremy Hempel, 26, will return to duty, though his recovery is expected to be a lengthy process, Police Chief Mike Gentry said Wednesday.

While Hempel continued to recover Wednesday at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Harker Heights officials scheduled a blood drive for Nov. 13 to honor him and replenish the blood required to treat him.

The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Harker Heights City Hall, located at 305 Miller's Crossing.

Hempel was injured in an accident on his way home to Nolanville from the Harker Heights police station Tuesday. Hempel's Geo Metro collided with a deer in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 190.

When the Geo struck the deer, Hempel lost control and swerved into oncoming traffic. His vehicle smashed into a blue Mazda 3 headed west.

Paramedics airlifted Hempel to Scott & White, where he underwent surgery Tuesday night to stop internal bleeding, Harker Heights Fire Chief Jack Collier said.

The driver of the Mazda, Jody Bivens, 26, of Morgan's Point, was treated at Scott & White and released without being admitted Tuesday night.

"We've already had significant response," Gentry said. "We're trying to replenish the stock he took and also if anybody wants to donate in his name."

Several Harker Heights officers visited Hempel on Wednesday, Gentry said.

Hempel joined HHPD in late summer after he graduated from the Basic Peace Officer Course at Central Texas College. Hempel was undergoing field training, in preparation for patrolling the streets on his own.

"A really good guy with a good family. Just an outstanding fellow," Gentry said.

"We're glad there's a lot of encouraging news today. He still has some hurdles to get over, but we're very optimistic."

When Hempel applied at HHPD in January, he said he wanted to join the department because his passion was to help people.

Contact Victor O'Brien at vobrien@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7468.