Cody Fisher was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for a near-fatal crash in January that left Suffolk Police Officer Brendan Gallagher with severe and lingering injuries.
Officer Gallagher attended Fisher’s sentencing in Riverhead Tuesday.
It was the first time Officer Gallagher said he had seen Fisher in person.
Fisher apologized to Gallagher for his “actions that day” and said he wished he could take it back.
“All because Mr. Fisher did not want to receive a ticket or possibly get arrested, he altered my life forever," said Gallagher.
Authorities and prosecutors said that Fisher revved his engine when he saw Officer Gallagher, in an attempt to antagonize him. Fisher, who pleaded guilty to multiple charges in this case, was not only speeding but driving while impaired.
When Fisher crashed into Officer Gallagher’s car, Fisher caused the officer’s car to lose control, flip on its side and crash into a tree.
Officer Gallagher is no stranger to being injured on the job. He was stabbed in 2022.
Officer Gallagher said he feels satisfied that this is over and he plans on getting back to work when he can.
Despite his injuries, he said his job with the Suffolk County Police Department is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.