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UAB orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brent Ponce surprised Birmingham police Officer Brandon Smith, who played on five bowl teams for Ohio State University, with tickets to the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

((Special to AL.com))

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - A Birmingham police officer seriously wounded when he was hit by a drunken driver while helping a stranded motorist in May got a serious surprise today from a doctor who has been helping him to recover.

West Precinct Officer Brandon Smith was injured May 10 when he was working an accident on Interstate 20/59 at Arkadelphia Road. The crash happened about the same time off-duty Birmingham police Officer Keary Hollis was fatally shot not far away.

Smith was hospitalized with a broken left leg, broken right elbow and dislocated shoulder. He required surgery on both the broken legs and the broken elbow.

An 84-year-old Birmingham man is charged with first-degree assault in the accident. Tom Pole is out of jail on $60,000 bond and currently awaiting trial.

Smith, a three-year veteran of the Birmingham force, has yet to return to work. He has undergone three surgeries, and is expected to go back on duty in the coming months.

Smith played football at the Ohio State University, and was on five bowl teams.

UAB orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brent Ponce, who performed one of Smith's surgeries, today surprised his patient with two tickets to the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day between Alabama and Ohio State. Ponce said he wanted to give back to Smith for his service to the community.

UAB officials worked with the SEC to get the tickets, and Ponce paid for them with his own money. Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper and other top police officials were on hand when Ponce presented Smith the tickets.

"It was obvious that Brandon's great physical condition from playing football at Ohio State assisted him in surviving that horrific accident. In reflection, it's really poetic that he can see his former hometown team play his new home team,'' Roper said. ""We want Brandon to go and have a good time at the game but come home disappointed with an Ohio State loss."

Roper said the gift was a great recognition for Smith and the many officers who risk their lives daily. "We should always remember those who give their lives in the line of duty but should also never forget those who suffer debilitating injuries while making our communities safer,'' Roper said. "We appreciate the doctor and his staff for their long hours of work and dedication in taking care of Brandon."