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Suffolk police officer fighting for his life at Stony Brook University Hospital after chase and crash 

Those who know Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher say he’s “dedicated" and a "natural-born leader."

Liz Burke

and

Cecilia Dowd

Jan 7, 2025, 12:08 PM

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Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Officer Gallagher was severely injured on Sunday when authorities said he attempted to pull over a speeding driver on the Long Island Expressway.

Police said that driver struck Gallagher’s SUV, causing it to hit a tree and overturn.

Gallagher’s former neighbors in North Babylon told News 12 that the officer always has a smile on his face, and that he’s exactly the kind of person you’d want to have as a neighbor.

"He's so dedicated to his profession," said Margherita Wischerth.

Erica Maggio, his former teacher at North Babylon High School, described Gallagher as a “natural-born leader.”

“You knew he was going to do great things," she said.

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