Phoenix Police Officer Jason Schechterle Shares His Story Of Survival

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 - 1:52pm
Updated: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 - 2:37pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (24.17 MB)
(Photo by Tracy Greer-KJZZ)
KJZZ's Here and Now host Steve Goldstein interviews Jason Schechterle and Landon J. Napoleon in studio.
(Photo courtesy of Landon J. Napoleon)
Jason Schechterle surviving the horrific impact and fire on March 26, 2001 was only made possible through an unbelievable series of events.

Thirteen years ago on March 26, 2001, Phoenix police officer Jason Schechterle's Ford Crown Victoria patrol car was rear-ended by a taxi and burst into flames. He was trapped in the car for eight minutes and left with severe burns, and after more than 50 surgeries, he is still recovering.

Schechterle and his co-author Landon J. Napoleon recount the story in the book "Burning Shield." They joined me in studio.

Updated 3/26/2014 2:37 p.m.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect the correct spelling of Jason Schechterle's name.