By Hank Russell
In what was called “nothing short of a miracle,” a Suffolk County police officer who suffered life-threatening injuries when his police cruiser was run off the road and crashed was discharged from Stony Brook University Hospital and is heading home after spending three weeks in the hospital.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, Brendon Gallagher, who is assigned to the department’s Street Takeover Task Force, was conducting a traffic stop on the Long Island Expressway on January 5 when the driver of a Ford Mustang, Cody Fisher, sped past the officer. Gallagher attempted to pull over the Ford when the driver, who was allegedly under the influence of drugs, lost control of the vehicle, sideswiping the police vehicle. Gallagher’s vehicle left the roadway and overturned, leaving him with critical injuries.
Gallagher needed to be extricated from the vehicle and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was treated for serious injuries including a torn aorta and abdominal injuries which required surgery.
Following the crash, Fisher’s vehicle allegedly traveled hundreds of feet on the side of the road before coming to rest. When police arrived, they observed that Fisher had glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. The officers also observed a strong smell of burnt marijuana emanating from Fisher and his vehicle.
Fisher, 29, of Brentwood, was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He was released and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, second-degree assault, second-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and second-degree reckless driving.
After 22 days in the hospital, Gallagher was released from the hospital to continue recovering at home. Members of the department were on hand to support Gallagher and wished him well, as well as local elected officials, police union officials and first responders. He was transported into a van which brought him home.
A press conference was held at the hospital on January 27 before Gallagher was released. Dr. James Vosswinkel, chief of the hospital’s Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Center, said that Gallagher suffered internal bleeding and a ruptured abdomen, which had to be reconstructed.
“He came in with Stage 4 shock, which is the worst kind of shock,” Vosswinkel said.
In addition, Vosswinkel said, Gallagher spent nine days on life support. When he no longer needed to be on life support, “it was a great day,” Vosswinkel said.
Gallagher also suffered from nerve damage in his legs and his arms “were so weak, he couldn’t lift his arms to hold the ice chips,” Vosswinkel said. While in the hospital, Gallagher began rehabilitation on his legs and “he’s been working on it like a champ.”
“It’ll be a long recovery,” Vosswinkel continued, “but he’s a tough kid.”
Suffolk PBA President Lou Civello thanked the hospital’s medical staff and the first responders who rescued Gallagher from the crash scene. “Today is a great day and I am profoundly grateful,” he said.
He also said that elected officials need to pay attention to what happened to Gallagher. “There is a lack of leadership up in Albany,” he said. “We need elected officials to have the courage [to stand up] and [make sure] tragedies like these don’t happen again.”
This is the second time Gallagher has been hospitalized during his short three-year stint on the force. In 2022, he was stabbed by a suspect in Medford.
Gallagher has also received numerous honors, including two department recognitions, a Purple Heart medal, a Combat Gold medal and was named Cop of the Year.
As he was brought out, Gallagher thanked everyone for their support and stated, “I’m proud to be a Suffolk County cop.”
“This is nothing short of a miracle,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. ‘During this time, all we could do is pray and hope. I cannot say it loud enough: Welcome home, Brendon!”