‘A Day Of Gratitude And Hope’: LI Officer Released Month After Crash During Funeral Procession: PBA

LINDENHURST, NY — A Nassau County highway patrol officer who was critically injured while escorting a funeral procession in Lindenhurst last month has been released from the hospital, according to the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association.

Officer Michael Hyland, 53, was seriously injured on Oct. 6 after his motorcycle collided with a 2020 Toyota Tundra while leading a procession near Sunrise Highway, Suffolk County police said at the time. Hyland, a 28-year veteran of the department, was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip and later transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries.

PBA President Tommy Shevlin announced Thursday that Hyland is being released from Stony Brook University Hospital “after a long and courageous recovery.”

“Their care and commitment have given Hyland and his loved ones the greatest gift — the chance to heal and move forward,” Shevlin said, thanking Dr. James Vosswinkel and the hospital’s medical team for their “incredible dedication, compassion, and expertise.”

Shevlin said Hyland’s recovery is “a powerful reminder of the strength and sacrifice that define the men and women of law enforcement.”

He added: “While today marks an important milestone, we know he still has a long road ahead in physical therapy and rehabilitation, and he will continue to have the full support and love of his brothers and sisters in blue. This is a day of gratitude and hope — proof that perseverance, teamwork, and faith can overcome the most difficult challenges.”

The driver of the truck was not injured in the October crash, police said. Suffolk County’s Major Case Unit investigated the collision.