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Officer Cem Duzel transferred to rehabilitation center in Denver

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  • Cem Duzel release
    Colorado Springs Police officers line the halls of UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital as Officer Cem Duzel is discharged and transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Denver. (Courtesy: UCHealth)

COLORADO SPRINGS – Colorado Springs Police Officer Cem Duzel was discharged from UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital Tuesday morning and transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Denver.

Officers and UCHealth caregivers stood in salute to Officer Duzel as he passed through the hospital hallways wiping tears from his eyes.

Nearly 150 police officers and members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office also gathered outside the hospital as Duzel was transferred via ambulance to show support with loud clapping and hollering to make sure they were heard.

Duzel was transferred from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central to Craig Hospital in Englewood Tuesday.

“We are honored to have cared for Officer Duzel and his family, and he and the Colorado Springs Police Department will remain in our thoughts as Officer Duzel begins the next chapter in his healing process,’’ said Joel Yuhas, President and CEO of UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

Colorado Springs Police Officer Cem Duzel

Duzel suffered a gunshot wound to the head early on August 2 while responding to a shots fired call near Bonfoy and Boulder.

Duzel’s shooting inspired an outpouring of love and support since the officer was injured in the line of duty. The police department even set up a card drop off location at the downtown Police Operations Center due to the number of inquiries from concerned citizens.

This weekend he was visited by actor Lou Ferrigno, well-known for playing the Hulk in the 1970’s television series. Ferrigno wrote on social media, “This man is my inspiration today and I’m proud to have spent some time with him!”

Officer Duzel has been with the department for 5 years and is assigned as a patrol officer for the Sand Creek Division.

Cem Duzel and Lou Ferrigno
Actor Lou Ferrigno meets with injured Colorado Springs Police Officer Cem Duzel.