CHARLOTTE, N.C — Retired Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Prince Blue says hearing about Officer Mia Goodwin’s death really affected him.

Similar to Goodwin, Blue was called to a car crash on the highway four years ago. He was hit by a drunk driver while assisting other officers, but luckily he survived.

Blue says working with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for 10 years took a toll on him - always putting him on edge.

“You’re always ready for something to go down that you’re not paying attention [to]. You’re not living in the moment,” he said.

He says even with your head on a swivel, the worst can happen, like the tragic crash that killed Goodwin last week.

She was responding to a crash on Interstate 85 Tuesday night, when two semi-trucks collided hours later and crashed into her. Blue’s reaction was simple.

Related story: Community honors Charlotte officer killed in I-85 crash

“It was a four-letter word that I can’t say,” he said.

It reminded him of the close calls he had as an officer.

On December 16, 2017, Blue was also called to a crash on U.S. 74, where officers were already on the scene, and some were injured in that wreck. 

While Blue was redirecting traffic in his car, with his lights on, a drunk driver crashed into the back of his patrol vehicle.

“They didn’t know if I was going to make it or not,” he said.

So, hearing about Goodwin really affected him.

“We were on duty, and we were doing what we loved, and she made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

It made him realize just how lucky he is. 

“I could’ve died. Could’ve not been here anymore for my family,” he said.

So, now, he’s cherishing every moment with his loved ones.

Blue also has a podcast dedicated to police officers and mental health. His best advice for officers still working is to talk through their problems. Whether it’s the grief from Officer Goodwin’s death or just day-to-day stress from the job.