An Ohio police officer will participate in the 2024 Paralympics after sustaining an injury while on duty.

Byron Branch, a Dayton, Ohio police officer, will compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in wheelchair fencing in Paris.

In 2016, Branch sustained severe injuries when he responded to an accident that resulted in the amputation of his leg.

""Fox & Friends" reported that Branch was on the highway when he responded to an accident involving a semi. He went to check on the driver and found him on the side of the road. He instructed the driver to move to the other side of his vehicle for safety. Suddenly, he found himself in the hospital."

In 2022 and 2024, Branch won gold in the Pan American Games in Canada, drawing from his 16 years of fencing experience.

"I attempted to apply my knowledge from the fencing game to the wheelchair game. Although there was a slight learning curve, it was not too steep."

According to Branch, the key after experiencing a traumatic event is to attempt to restore oneself to the state of being before the event occurred.

With two daughters and a wife, Branch expressed excitement about attending the Olympics with his family to cheer him on.

"They will witness my competition abroad for the first time at that level."

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Branch in covering his expenses during the games, as he lacks a sponsor. The page has surpassed its goal of $44,000.

"I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has assisted me so far. Their help has been invaluable and their support has been greatly appreciated," Branch stated on Planet Chronicle.

"The atmosphere of being surrounded by athletes representing the country and athletes from all over the world is what excites me the most. It's an incredible experience."

In 2018, the Dayton Daily News reported that Branch was named Dayton's Police Officer of the Year.