Benefit for TEA Who Lost Leg But is Working

By REUVEN BLAU

A benefit for Traffic Enforcement Officer Tarrell Lee Hurt, who lost his leg after being hit by a car while directing traffic in 2005, is scheduled for Nov. 10.

TARRELL LEE HURT: Disability didn't stop him.

Officer Hurt, 27, returned to work with the help of a prosthetic leg on Nov. 5. The accident occurred on Sept. 21, 2005, when he was directing cars on the corner of East 60th St. and York Ave. in Manhattan.

In 40-Day Coma

According to authorities, a Mazda cut off an SUV, causing the larger vehicle to smash into Mr. Hurt, hitting him head on and knocking him to the ground. He was rushed to Cornell Medical Center, which is just eight blocks away, but suffered serious injuries.

Following a 10-hour operation, TEA Hurt remained in a coma for 40 days. His parents, Debra and Rodney Artis Sr., were constantly by his side, and visitors included Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.

Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Hurt was determined to learn to walk and return to work, with the help of intense physical therapy. He left the hospital on March 22, 2006.

The All-Star Basketball Game Fundraiser - run by Communication Workers of America Local 1182 - will be held at the Riverbank State Park Gym 145th Street & Riverside Drive from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10. For additional information, call Andre Peterson at 917-418-6371.