Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher threw out the first pitch at Citi Field on this weekend when the New York Mets took on the Seattle Mariners.
Earlier this year, Officer Gallagher suffered life-threatening injuries in an on-duty motor vehicle crash. The 35-year-old was greeted with a loud ovation as he threw the ceremonial pitch, as many in attendance knew of his story.
Gallagher's tale is one that any family of a police officer fear. Back in January during a traffic stop near Exit 55 on the Long Island Expressway he was struck by an oncoming car. In Brentwood Gallagher gave chase to a Ford Mustang, allegedly driven by 29-year-old Cody Fisher. The car was driving nearly 100 mph and Fisher lost control of the car, sideswiping Gallagher’s patrol SUV.
The vehicle was upside down and finally came to a stop after hitting into a tree. Gallagher was trapped inside the car for more than a half hour and bleeding, before being pulled out. He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital and things looked bleak.
He spent weeks in the hospital but was able to recover what doctors deemed “miraculous.” That was not the first time miraculous, and Gallagher have been used in the same breath.
Gallagher a U.S. Army veteran was also involved in a on duty near death incident when he survived a stabbing in 2022 responding to a call in Medford. That time he was also released from Stony Brook University Hospital after being stabbed while responding to a call about an argument between roommates. He was stabbed in the chest clear through his bulletproof vest and the vest saved his heart and his life.
The Suffolk County Police Department said, "Officer Gallagher is well on the road to recovery and we wish him continued progress!"