Suffolk Officer Brendon Gallagher, critically hurt in high-speed crash, presented with more than $150G to cover costs

Almost two months ago, Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher was rolled out of Stony Brook University Hospital in a wheelchair by fellow law enforcement officers after being severely injured in a high-speed crash while on duty.

But on Thursday morning, Gallagher, 30, walked into the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association in Brentwood with only a cane and his girlfriend, Heather Bosco, 30, at his side, greeting the people and police officers who continue to support him in his recovery.

PBA president Lou Civello, law enforcement organizations Fund the First and LEO Weekend, and police officers presented Gallagher, of Center Moriches, with a $153,680 check to help cover his medical expenses and financial burdens from his injuries.

Suffolk County Credit Union also gave Gallagher a $1,000 check.

"It's touching," Gallagher said, wearing a Suffolk PBA hoodie that read "Gallagher Strong."

On Jan. 5, Gallagher was severely injured after his car flipped and hit a tree while attempting to pull over a driver speeding at over 100 mph on the Long Island Expressway.

Gallagher suffered a slashed aorta, resulting in near-fatal blood loss. His abdominal wall also was lacerated through the skin and muscle, and he suffered nerve damage in his legs, which affects his ability to walk.

It was his second injury in the line of duty with the Suffolk police. In December 2022, Gallagher was stabbed during a confrontation with a Medford man.

"His family, for the second time, thought that they were going to lose him," Civello said at the presentation in the PBA office.

Bosco, a trauma physician assistant at Good Samaritan University Hospital, said Thursday that she was not naive to the severity of Gallagher’s injuries, noting that he experienced liver failure and hemorrhagic shock at one point.

"When we found out we had the aortic injury, we all held our breath," she said.

Austin Glickman, president of LEO Weekend, said once he received word that Gallagher would pull through, the community was eager to help.

"Within literal minutes of it occurring, we had multiple Suffolk County cops reaching out to us through our social media platforms, personal phone calls, emails saying, 'Hey, we need to do something,'" Glickman said.

Hours after creating a fundraiser through Fund the First, an organization that raises funds for first responders and their families, they reached their first fundraising goal of $50,000.

Rob Garland, CEO of Fund the First, said their target of $150,000 was reached in a matter of days. People from across the country, including both first responders and civilians, donated to help Gallagher, he said.

"Money is one thing, but the power of community, the power of support, to show that back to him," Garland said. "It's so important."

Bosco, of West Babylon, said since Gallagher's release from the hospital, he has worked with a physical therapist and continues to follow up with his surgeons.

The pressing issue is the neuropathy that he experiences in his feet every day, she said, and walking and standing is his priority right now.

"I know if he could, he would be back out doing his job," Bosco said.

Gallagher said he was surprised to see how many people donated to his cause and was grateful for all who have helped him.

"It’s a long road ahead," he said. "I can’t really walk. So, I’ve been working on that. But if that’s the worst, I’ll take it."