Amputee to graduate the police academy

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Thousands of officers have gone through the Albuquerque Police Academy, but one man in the 101st class will join the force as a first. 

Huffing and puffing with 29 other cadets, David Nix, 27, is headed toward a new career.

He was looking for a new challenge after eight years in the Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Iraq.

"I don't have to leave my wife ever again. I don't have to leave this country ever again," Nix said.

Nix has spent the past six months in the Albuquerque Police Academy.

"I don't run as fast as most of the cadets in my class. They're pretty fast, but I've never fallen out of a run," he said.

It's grueling for anyone, especially Nix. He is the first amputee to go through the police academy here.

Nix lost his leg in motorcycle accident in 2004.

"I was never like 'oh my life is over' though," he said. "I've just got to figure this out whatever."

You won't see Nix's limitations in his walk or his attitude.

"We do not treat him differently at all," Academy Instructor John Corvino said. "At one time I asked him what are his limitations and he just looked me in the eye and said absolutely none sir."

Nix plans to carry the same drive with him when he becomes a sworn officer on Tuesday.

He was reluctant to speak with News 13 to do a story, saying that there were single mothers in the cadet class who have it much harder than he does.

However, it's difficult to ignore a man with such determination who is making history with the department.

Last summer, off-duty APD officer Michael Benavides was riding his personal motorcycle when a truck turned in front of him.

Benavides lost his foot. The department looks forward to his return.