One of the police officers injured in the Sept. 1 helicopter crash after helping pursue a fleeing suspect is currently paralyzed from the waist down, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.
The two officers injured have been identified as as Officer George McLain, 38 and Cpl. Michael Duncan, 46. Following surgery, McLain was discharged from the hospital several days after the crash and is still recovering from his injuries. Duncan also had surgery and was recently transferred to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta. Cpl. Deon Washington, public information officer for GCPD, said Duncan is currently paralyzed from the waist down.
“He is still having pain but is improving each day,” Washington said in a press release. “He is working hard with the staff at Shepherd Spinal Center to get back to being as independent as possible.”
GCPD report that McLain was in command of the aircraft at the of the crash He was hired January 2016 and is a member of the Georgia Air National Guard. Duncan was hired February 2005 and is a veteran of the Marine Corps. The FAA investigation into the helicopter crash is still pending.
Washington said the Gwinnett County Police Foundation will host a Golf Tournament on Oct. 2 at Chateau Elan with proceeds from the tournament to be donated to Duncan.
“It is anticipated that his home will need to be modified to accommodate wheel chair access. The GCPD is a strong family and we will continue to support the recovery of both injured pilots.” Washington said.
For information about the event and to donate go to http://gwinnettpolicefoundation.com/.
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