Suffolk police officer Brendon Gallagher released from hospital after 22 days
Gallagher left Stony Brook University Hospital today after spending 22 days in the hospital, 9 of them on life support.
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Suffolk County Police officer Brendon Gallagher was released from Stony Brook Hospital Monday.
His release comes almost three weeks after doctors say he suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash that happened on Jan. 5.
"I just want to thank everyone for their support and I'm proud to be a Suffolk cop," said Gallagher, outside Stony Brook Hospital after he was wheeled out to thunderous applause from his fellow officers and hospital staff.
As News 12 reported, Suffolk police say a driver, who was allegedly going more than 100 mph while high, crashed into Gallagher's police cruiser on the Long Island Expressway in Brentwood, leaving him trapped.
"He was trapped in the car...for 45 minutes, bleeding out and trying to die." said Dr. James Vosswinkel, Stony Brook University Hospital's chief of the Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care Division.
Vosswinkel credits Gallagher's survival to first responders, volunteers, good Samaritans at the scene and Gallagher himself.
"It's his motivation to heal and to get back where he is, is completely outstanding," said Vosswinkel.
He went on to say, "when you know the word miracle, miraculous, sometimes is overstated, it's not in this case."
Monday marks the second time officer Gallagher was released from Stony Brook Hospital after being injured on the job.
He was stabbed in the rib two years ago.
News 12 was told he will continue his recovery at home.
