LI Highway Patrol Officer Critically Injured While Escorting Funeral Procession: Police

LINDENHURST, NY — A highway patrol officer with the Nassau County Police Department was critically injured during a funeral procession in Lindenhurst, officials said Monday.

According to Suffolk County police, major case unit detectives are investigating the motor vehicle crash, which occurred Monday at 11:08 a.m.

Highway Patrol Officer Michael Hyland was operating a 2020 Harley Davidson as part of a funeral procession when he collided with a 2020 Toyota Tundra being operated by a 61-year-old man, police said.

Officer Hyland, 53, was transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip for treatment of serious physical injuries and remains in critical condition, police said.

The other driver was not injured, police said.

Nassau County PBA President Tommy Shevlin issued a statement after the officer, who was on a motorcycle, was injured: "Earlier today, we visited our highway patrol officer who was critically injured while escorting a funeral procession. He remains in surgery and has a long road to recovery ahead of him."

He added: "Seeing one of our own in that condition is a painful reminder of the incredible dangers our officers face every single day — especially those in the highway patrol who risk their lives on the open road to keep others safe. We are asking everyone in our community to keep this officer, his family, and his fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers. The dangers of this profession are real, but so is the bravery and selflessness of the men and women who serve.”

New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, on social media, sent prayers for the officer after the crash.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact major case unit detectives at 631-852- 6555.