Brockton’s police chief returned to the office on Friday after spending more than a month in the hospital recovering from a serious bike crash.
"I walked in here and went wow, I’m home again," said Chief Robert Hayden.
The 72-year-old Hayden was able to walk up the stairs to his office. A task that was unimaginable just a month ago.
"A 72-year-old guy is not supposed to fly through the air 20 feet and not die," he said. "That doesn’t happen."
Hayden sat down with NECN in an exclusive interview Friday morning.
His life changed in late June when he was riding his bike on Hull Street in Hingham and was struck by a car.
"I remember something hitting me and I remember waking up about, it had to be five, 10 minutes later, because when I woke up the ambulances were already there," said Hayden.
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He suffered a concussion, 12 broken ribs and a broken shoulder and was in intensive care for 12 days.
"It was rugged," he said "It was rough. It's not something you want to do again."
While in the hospital, the City of Brockton rallied behind the chief sending cards, notes and letters. There was also a special tribute from Mayor Bill Carpenter who drove in a car at the Brockton Fair’s demolition derby.
"I thought it was awesome," said Hayden. "If he could ride around the track risking his life with my name on his car, I'm not letting him down."
Since taking over as chief in January, his mission has been clear: Fight crime by making a positive impact on the city. It’s something he learned during his nearly three decades as a Boston police officer.
"I try to do everything I can for other people, for a greater cause," he said. "It sounds corny but it's been true all my life."
The chief still has a long way to go in his recovery, on top of battling cancer.
An avid fitness guy all his life, Hayden says at his age, that likely helped to save his life. He’s easing his way back into work and yes, exercising, but this time under his wife’s supervision.
"She has told me she doesn’t want me on my motorcycle anymore and she says the bicycle is out," said Hayden.
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