GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A fundraiser in Gwinnett County kicks off on Saturday to help an officer who was struck head-on by an impaired driver back in August.
According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, Officer Daniel Ortega is still unable to return to work after suffering severe injuries to his leg and foot.
"It was rough. I felt like I got kicked by the Hulk," Ortega told 11Alive. "It's been somewhat difficult. Both emotionally, of course, and financially."
Ortega is a father and husband currently unable to work. He said it'll likely take a full year to get back to his normal routine.
"God is taking care of me, so I'm slowly healing to a full recovery," he said. "That's really the only thing I could say is how how grateful I am for the department that I work for and how much they care in the citizens of this county."
In order to help the officer, the Gwinnett Police Foundation is hosting a fundraiser at Wild Wing Café in Dacula, with all proceeds going to help the Ortega family. It starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Those who can not attend can also send in donations online here.
Ortega was hit on August 9 around 4:30 p.m. while traveling down Breckinridge Boulevard near Breckinridge Parkway in unincorporated Duluth. Police said a driver, most likely impaired, in a silver sedan, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit the officer in his patrol car.
"It's been very stressful, like, emotionally," Ortega's wife said. "But, we trust in God, and we know that he's going to give us the strength to get through it."
The police department said the damage was bad and that Ortega "had to be cut out of the vehicle by first responders" and was put through extensive surgery and several months of physical therapy.
Lt. Christopher Deming, a business officer with the Gwinnett County Police Foundation, said his organization felt compelled to help one of their own.
"He's one of our guys. He's one of our community members as well," Deming said. "It just doesn't just happen that night. It's not the next day. It's something that is long-lasting. This officer — he's going to feel the stress. He's going to be dealing with this the rest of his life."