A Suffolk County double amputee police officer shared his advice and support at a first-of-its-kind amputee support group in Suffolk County Thursday.

Officer Matias Ferreira, a Wantagh native, lost both his legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device during a tour of duty in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines in 2011.

The support group in Suffolk County aims to help people with amputations live their new lives and share their experiences.

"I think it's very important to be a part of something that makes you again realize what you have around you." says Ferreira.

Lisa Penziner, who started the support group in Nassau County, thinks it's a great program for people with amputations to get to know one other and decided to expand to Suffolk County.

The group welcomes amputees from all over the tri-state area, and more than a dozen people have already registered to join.