Todd Blackburn was a US Army Ranger who became famous after the movie, Black Hawk Down, was released. The movie, Black Hawk Down, accurately depicts Blackburn’s deployment to Somalia where he was injured after falling from a Black Hawk helicopter during a mission. The fall was approximately 90 feet from the helicopter to the ground. The movie does not show what happens to Blackburn, other than him being medevacked out.
Blackburn was flown out of Somalia shortly after the battle to undergo further medical treatment. He had serious injuries at the time from the fall. He recovered from the injuries and remained in the military until July 1995.
Blackburn left the military and pursued a career in law enforcement. He served with Pensacola Police in Florida from July 1999 to January 2009. Blackburn worked general patrol, the narcotics unit, and finished his career as a school resource officer. After leaving Pensacola Police, Blackburn was employed by Triple Canopy, a private security company.
Sometime in 2017, Blackburn was charged with a battery charge related to alcohol consumption. It is believed to be related to PTSD he still suffers from due to the incident in Somalia. Blackburn was able to resolve this matter through Veterans Court. It is believed he is now enjoying a quiet life with his family.
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