A state trooper is in serious condition after being hit by a car in Commack while trying to help two disabled motorists.
Chopper 12 was on the scene where the Sagtikos Parkway meets the Long Island Expressway around 3:15 p.m. Monday.
Officials say Trooper Joseph Gallagher was outside his police car assisting the motorists when he was hit.
Gallagher suffered a traumatic head injury, but it is believed he survived thanks to nearby paramedics.
NY State Police Superintendent George Beech said “We were extremely fortunate that there were two paramedics from the Suffolk County Police Department who are MCAT paramedics. They rolled up on the scene literally within a minute and were able to render immediate aide and we believe saved our trooper's life.”
Trooper Gallagher is currently recovering from surgery at Southside Hospital.
Officials say the driver who hit the 35-year-old trooper stayed at the scene and is cooperating.
State Police are asking any witnesses to the crash to contact SP Farmingdale at (631) 756-3300.