Riverside officer shot by Christopher Dorner now inspiring student-athletes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- It was three years ago this week that Riverside officer Andrew Tachias was shot nine times by rogue ex-LAPD cop Christopher Dorner.

Tachias didn't know at the time if he'd survive that day, much less return to the force.

He had been with the department less than three months that night of Feb. 7, 2013 when he and his training officer, Michael Crain, were ambushed as they sat in their patrol car at a Riverside intersection.

Crain did not survive the attack.

But now after a long recovery, Tachias is slowly getting back to work.

And the experience hasn't soured him on law enforcement. The college track star has been visiting his alma mater, the University of California at Riverside, to help inspire students to follow his own career path.

The Riverside Police Officers Association has sponsored a scholarship in his name for student athletes who are interested in law enforcement careers.

"I want them to understand the will to survive and how to fight through it," Tachias said.