It is totally possible. In this specific situation, it was also totally possible for the cop to extend his hand and grab the pole. Neither of those situations are possible because he decided that lethal force was the first and only recourse.
Even given how drunk the man was flipping him probably might not have been that big of a deal either. But again
It's easy to say that now in hindsight but in the situation it's a different ballgame. I've seen people get their hands broken trying to catch sticks being swung at them.
I agree dudes need to be trained more in these situations so they aren't as scared. I got a few cops on my fb that I met thru bjj training and we all been saying that for years to the displeasure of cop friends that they have that haven't trained in anything.
But until they are, nobody should attack a cop. If u do u may as well committ that if u are black or Hispanic.