Detective Chappie Hunter Fund

Courage;
The ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.

James “Chappie” Hunter is an off-duty San Diego police detective who lost his lower left leg last week after an accident in Alpine, CA.  Chappie was released from the hospital this past Thursday, just four days after the accident.

On Sunday, Chappie’s motorcycle collided with a vehicle on Alpine Blvd.  The vehicle made a left turn and hit Chappie’s motorcycle, according to eyewitnesses. Chappie was flown by Mercy Air to Sharp Hospital’s Trauma Unit.  The accident left him with a severed left leg below the knee.  He was also treated for a severely injured left arm, broken ribs, concussion and internal injuries.

Chappie is a 19 yr veteran of the San Diego Police Department who works within the Human Trafficking and Special Victims Unit.  Officers confirmed that the driver was a 17 year old female with a valid learners permit. The driver of the vehicle was with her mother at the time of the crash.

Chappie is a Cross-Fit enthusiast who just completed the Alpha Warrior Obstacle Course Challenge just hours before this horrific accident.  Besides being a devoted Detective and Advocate for his victims, Chappie is also a Level 1 Certified Cross-Fit Instructor who loves training with his friends and family on his time off.  At 41, Chappie says he is in the best shape of his life.

I got to visit with Chappie in his hospital room several days after the accident.  I showed up just as he was beginning physical therapy.  I was in both shock and disbelief from what I just witnessed.  I watched as my friend who just lost his leg, did strength and stretching exercises with his physical therapist.  I was not expecting him to already be actively rehabbing.  I was preparing myself to see my buddy all broken up, lying in a hospital bed in despair. Boy was I wrong!  The therapist asked Chappie if he had rolled to his stomach yet while in the hospital and Chappie replied, “no I haven’t but I will because I need to get some push-ups in anyway.” He did this all with a smile on his face.

Chappie’s Courage and Determination has inspired myself, his family, friends and many who have never even met him.  I know that Chappie will be alright.  I cannot wait to see him back up on two legs again which I am sure won’t be too long from now.  Just a week from this terrible accident, Chappie is already back in his home Cross Training gym dubbed “THE ALPINE GARAGE” running his friends through his WOD!

Keep Inspiring my friend!

~Greg Brady

To donate to the Detective Chappie Hunter Fund please send a check to:

San Diego Police Officers Association Widows & Orphans Fund
Checks should be made payable to SDPOA
Be sure to write “Detective Chappie Hunter” in the memo line
8388 Vickers Street
San Diego, CA 92111