Lance Corporal Matias Ferriera - Special Category

 

 

Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2017
Inducted : March 2018 Smithtown, NY.
 

My name is Matias Ferreira and I am a former U.S Marine, attached to 1st Battalion 8th Marines stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. I was on a combat tour to Afghanistan in September of 2010-2011. On a night patrol, January 21, 2011 my life changed 180 degrees. While performing my duties as a team leader/Machine Gunner that night, we encountered an IED. When it went off, it amputated both legs below the knees amongst other injuries. I was medivaced to Germany and then D.C to begin my recovery. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to return to duty as an infantry marine, so I would have to work hard to get in shape for my next career choice. In the meantime I spent my time traveling the country playing on a military competitive softball team spreading the message that "life without a limb is limitless". In 2014 I began pursuing my other dream besides being a Marine and in possibly becoming the first double amputee police officer for Suffolk County Police Department. In September of 2016 I was given the opportunity to do so and on March 24th I graduated from Suffolk County Police Academy as the President of our class 16-168. Now assigned to the 1st Precinct, I am out patrolling the streets hoping to make a difference and maintain peace and tranquility in our communities.