According to New York State Police, a trooper was seriously injured when struck by a vehicle while helping a disabled driver on an overpass from the Long Island Expressway near Brentwood.
State Police say on Monday, December 18th around 2:30 p.m., 35-year-old Trooper Joseph Gallagher stopped to help a driver whose car broke down on the Expressway when he was hit by by another vehicle.
Trooper Gallagher was born in South Buffalo and went to Bishop Timon High School. He currently lives downstate with his wife and two young children.
Trooper Gallagher was taken to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, where he underwent surgery for head injuries. He is currently out of surgery and listed in serious condition, according to NYS Police.
The motorist who struck the trooper stopped and stayed at the scene. No charges have been filed in the crash.
State Police ask anyone who saw the crash to call State Police Farmingdale at (631) 756-3300 as the investigation continues.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly talked with Trooper Gallagher's uncle, Rev. Msgr. William Gallagher, from the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. He also talked with Trooper James O'Callaghan about the "Move Over" law and how some drivers are not obeying it. You can hear more in Ed's report.
