Pictured in Carmichael with wife Lisa, District 3 Supervisor Rich Desmond is splinted, bandaged and recovering after a serious motorcycle accident.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Supervisor Rich Desmond planned to celebrate his favorite American holiday by riding in Carmichael's July 4 parade, attending civic events and barbecuing with his family.

Instead, the District 3 leader was in the ICU with broken bones, a punctured lung and in a fight for his life.

On July 3, he and his older brother Pete set out on dual-sport motorcycles for a morning spin to Rancho Murieta.

“We’ve been on motorcycles practically all our lives,” said Desmond (56). “We were on the Jackson Highway, near Sloughhouse. It was about 9 a.m. and I recall thinking how great a cup of coffee would be.

“That’s all I remember. I came to, lying on the road with my brother holding my hand. Pete thought I was dead. I couldn’t breathe; I couldn’t move. I was in tremendous pain. When CHP officers got there, they said I was lucky to be alive.”

He and his bike were mashed from behind by a pickup truck, whose driver admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. Former CHP officer Desmond was propelled onto the truck hood; his 6 ft 3 ins body then catapulted to the tarmac. 

Though a full-head helmet and protective clothing probably saved his life, he sustained five broken ribs, broken clavicle and scapula bones, a punctured lung and head-to toe bruises.

First at South Sacramento Kaiser ICU, and later transferred to the Sutter Roseville trauma unit, Desmond’s next six days were the most painful of his life. “My left lung was partially collapsed,” he explained. “The doctors said my general fitness helped me fight back.

“I’m a spiritual person; I drew much strength from my faith. That, and the prayers of many others, got me through.”

He was comforted in hospital by family (he and wife Lisa have five children), and visits from friends and County staffers.

“They were all very worried,” he recalled. “I was, too. I worried about being able to do my job. This happened during the Board of Supervisors' summer break, so fortunately, there were no daily board meetings to attend. But there’s never a vacation from public service.

“After a few days, I was able to direct my staff on pressing matters, to the best of my ability.”

The supervisor expressed gratitude to physicians and nurses at the two trauma centers that treated him. “Without knowing who I was,” he reflected, “they were all wonderful to me.”

Messages from staff, constituents, Sheriff and District Attorney’s offices came thick and fast. Second District Supervisor Patrick Kennedy showed up at the Desmond home with a Sunday dinner for the family. “Support like this has been a tonic in my recovery,” the patient said.

 Discharged last week, Desmond was still hurting but grateful to be in the Carmichael home where three generations of his family have lived.

The change of pace was hobbling.

“At times, I feel I’m going stir-crazy,” grimaced the workaholic. “But, when you feel lucky to be alive, you don’t sweat the small stuff. You also wonder if a politician’s commitment to community comes at too great a sacrifice to family life. You realize that time is precious and life is finite. You have a lot to think about.

I’ve decided I won’t ride a motorcycle again.”

The two-term legislator will likely not be seen around District 3 or at public meetings for months. “But despite my physical limitations, I’m still a fierce advocate for my constituents," pledged Desmond.  "I’m still here, and I'm working for them.”