Morris Co. Officer Hit By Car Returns Home After 3 Months

MOUNT ARLINGTON, NJ — Three months after he was hit by a car, Mount Arlington Sgt. Jimmy Distasio is finally home.

It was a special homecoming for Distasio: students lined the side of the road as he drove by, cheering for "Sergeant Jimmy." A Mount Arlington school secretary said about 250 third-eighth grade students were outside on Tuesday to welcome him back to the borough.

Distasio was hit by a car during a routine traffic stop in December, sustaining severe injuries. He has spent the months since in Morristown Memorial Hospital and a rehabilitation center in Chester, TapInto reported.

"We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who came out today to make Jimmy’s trip home extra special. It was truly amazing to see all of the supporters and all the kids lined up at the school to cheer on Sergeant Distasio," the Mount Arlington Fraternal Order of Police said.

No charges have been filed in connection to the December crash, and the driver's name has not been released, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said previously. A spokesperson has declined to comment further.

This is the second time DiStasio was struck by a car in the line of duty. During a 2014 traffic stop, an unlicensed driver ran over DiStasio's foot; he did not sustain any major injuries from that accident, nj.com reported.

DiStasio has previously been honored for his life-saving actions. He was recognized by the 200 Club of Morris County at their annual Valor & Meritorious Awards in 2013 for his efforts in pulling a driver out of a burning car. Along with Ptl. Joseph Farina and Det. Reginald C. Goode, DiStasio saved a driver after their car ran off the road and into the woods, hitting a tree and catching fire. After the officers freed the driver, they provided medical care.