CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Early Monday morning a Cheektowaga police officer was injured when he was hit by a suspect vehicle during a chase.
Police have now identified the injured officer as 45-year-old Troy Blackchief. Chief Brian Gould said Blackchief is a 17-year veteran of the force and serves on the SWAT team and patrol division. According to the department, he has three children.
In May 2019 officer Blackchief represented the department during National Police Week in Washington D.C. and escorted families of fallen officers back and forth to the Law Enforcement Memorial.
In December 2020 officer Blackchief assisted in rescuing a dog clinging to a tree in a creek.
In May 2021 officer Blackchief assisted in rescuing a woman who was trapped underneath a vehicle on Walden Avenue. Blackchief was one of seven CPD officers and two bystanders that were honored by Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace for their actions during the rescue.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday police said Blackchief remains in critical but stable condition and the doctors are cautiously optimistic.
The Blackchief family tragically lost a daughter due to health complications in 2021 and started a foundation in her honor. Family and friends are encouraging people to donate $17 in honor of Officer Blackchief's 17 years of service with the Cheektowaga Police Department.
You can donate here to The Blackchief Family Foundation here.
