A Rockville Centre police officer injured in a car crash last year is fighting to ensure the driver who hit him stays behind bars despite a plea deal just struck.

Ernest Ziegler, of Rockville Centre, has undergone spine surgery and other procedures since his July 2008 accident. He has been unable to return to work.

Suspect Brian Frazier pleaded guilty and accepted a deal with an 11-year sentence. Ziegler and his supporters are now lobbying the judge for a longer sentence. They say Frazier should get the district attorney?s recommendation of 15 years.

Frazier is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 15. News 12 was told the judge could revoke the plea deal.