A local police officer involved in a motorcycle crash got a consolation prize Thursday _ a chance to meet Barack Obama.

Obama’s campaign arranged for Officer Jerry Orvin to meet the Democratic presidential hopeful on an airport tarmac here, where the two shook hands and posed for photographs just before the candidate boarded his plane to fly to an event in North Dakota.

On a fast ride Wednesday from the U.S. Air Force Academy to a luxury hotel where Obama was staying and holding a fundraiser, Orvin suffered minor injuries after a van crashed into his motorcycle, which was blocking traffic for the entourage.

Colorado Springs police Sgt. Scott Wisler said the driver of a van was cited for rear-ending the officer.

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Compiled by Jennifer Loven