WASHINGTON PARISH, La. — Sergeant John O'Hern pledged to help reduce the number of drunk drivers on Washington Parish roads. The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office says a drunk driver slammed into the sergeant on May 23rd.
Sergeant O'Hern spoke exclusively to WWL Louisiana's Eleanor Tabone, he's calling for drivers to never get behind the wheel after drinking.
Sgt. John O'Hern remains in hospital after he was hit head-on by an alleged drunk driver, a driver he says he was trying to get off the road before he killed someone.
Sgt. O'Hern said, "It's very painful. I am very thankful to be alive. I am very thankful to be able to draw another breath."
Washington Parish Sgt. John O'Hern has been in law enforcement for 14 years. "I actually do work with the highway safety commission and I am one of the emphasis area leaders for driving under the influence."
When he was sworn in, he promised to help reduce the number of drivers who were under the influence on Washington Parish roads. "A lot of people look at it as a victimless crime because think, oh, somebody can get drunk and get behind the wheel... I have worked accidents where lives were taken."
In a cruel twist of fate, dispatch got the call on May 23rd, just after 11 p.m. He said, "I could clearly hear him say this driver was in the opposite lane of traffic."
Sgt. O'Hern says he went straight to the driver's location. He said, "We were on a bridge, and it was a partial curve, so once I realized those headlights were there... I knew the only thing I could do was try to decrease my speed as best possible and attempt to avoid a collision."
The sheriff's office says the drunk driver crossed the center lane and slammed into O'Hern while on a Louisiana Highway 25 bridge – a few miles south of Franklinton. The office says the impaired driver, 42-year-old Corey Pellerin, was allegedly driving 68 mph in a 55-zone.
Sgt. O'Hern says his only mission was to get to the driver before he killed someone, saying, "I didn't plan on it going the way it did by any means... I am thankful it was me, and no innocent person was hurt."
His injuries are extensive, "My femur bone, from the impact, shot up through my pelvic bone and basically crushed my pelvic bone."
A doting husband and father of two, he remains positive. His wife of 15 years, Lacie O'Hern, said, "We're so grateful and thankful and blessed. I am just happy he's breathing."
His road to recovery begins now with physical therapy; he said doctors have "Been getting me up out of bed and walking; they're impressed with my progress, and it makes me feel good they're impressed with it because I am trying to give it everything I have got."
On Monday, there will be a blood drive for Sgt. O'Hern. He'll receive credit for every unit of blood donated in his name to help with his medical bills. You can donate blood at any "The Blood Center" across the state.
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