Hundreds of Suffolk County police officers lined the exit of Stony Brook University Hospital as Officer Tim Thrane left the hospital Thursday. 

Thrane was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle that was driven by an alleged drunk driver.

The 35-year-old was struck by the motor vehicle on Nov. 2 while he was setting up flares to conduct traffic control at the scene of a previous car accident on William Floyd Parkway in Yaphank.

Thrane was rushed to Stony Brook, where he was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma for weeks. 

The married father of three young children had bleeding on the brain and a fractured skull.
"He had what's called an epidural hematoma," says Dr. James Vosswinkel, of Stony Brook University Hospital. "Essentially an artery was ripped on the inside of his skull."

Thrane now begins inpatient rehabilitation at Saint Charles Hospital but is hopeful to be home for the holidays.
"He'll be home for Christmas," says Janelle Thrane, the officer's wife. "That's the plan."

Thrane's doctors are optimistic he will make a full recovery.