Jason’s Story
Growing up, Jason had one dream: to serve as a Phoenix Police Officer.
After serving four years in the Air Force, at the age 26, Jason achieved his goal to work on the streets of Phoenix as a rookie police officer. Then, only 14 months into what was supposed to be a life-long career, Jason’s life took an unexpected tragic turn.
One Man’s Life-Changing story of survival.
On the night of March 26, 2001, a taxi cab, traveling at over 100mph crashed into the rear of Jason’s patrol car.
Upon impact, Jason’s car burst into flames, trapping him inside.
Through a series of miraculous and fateful circumstances, Jason survived the crash and ensuing physical and emotional catastrophe. He suffered severe burns to over 40% of his body which drastically altered his appearance. He has undergone more than 50 surgeries just to have the ability to accomplish simple daily tasks we often take for granted.
Jason’s journey chronicles his fight for life, his triumph over tragedy and the inspiration that enables him to continue to overcome unimaginable adversity. His personal narrative exemplifies that the power of the human spirit can never be underestimated or extinguished.
His story is one of life, rebirth, and transformation. Jason represents the human experience at its very best – an ascent from despair to describing himself as the luckiest person alive!
BURNING SHIELD
The Jason Schechterle Story
Published in 2014, “Burning Shield” tells Jason’s shocking story. It was the first independently published book chosen as the Arizona Republic’s “Pick of the Month”.
When a taxi smashed into police officer Jason Schechterle’s patrol car, the fireball that consumed the vehicle should have killed him. But by a series of small miracles, Schechterle survived: Dying would have been easier.
As he would learn only after his own horrific ordeal, law enforcement officers across the country were perishing in similar fires, trapped inside burning Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors. Schechterle, who began a long, gruesome, and gut-wrenching battle back to health, would also take on Ford Motor Company to stop the heinous and ultimately preventable deaths. Interweaving narratives of human triumph and high-stakes legal showdown, this “inspiring true story” (Kirkus Reviews) reveals a rare human being with an undeniable will to live.
“Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story” exemplifies the mystery and beauty of the human spirit, and the healing power of love.
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