Thursday, March 27, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 23 ~ $1.00
SCPD Officer Brendon Gallagher Receives $150K After NearFatal Crash By Matt Meduri
On January 5, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) Officer Brendon Gallagher was involved in a crash that nearly ended his life. He was pursuing a driver who was going over 100mph while high on the Long Island Expressway. The intoxicated driver crashed into Gallagher’s vehicle, sending him off the highway near Exit 55 leaving him trapped. Gallagher was trapped in his car for forty-five minutes before he was transported to Stony Brook Hospital where he would spend twentytwo days recovering, nine of them on life support. Gallagher’s recovery was considered “miraculous” by many, notably by Dr. James Vosswinkel, SBUH’s Chief of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care Division. Vosswinkel memorably said that the term “miraculous” is often overstated in serious cases, but not Gallagher’s. Continued on page 11
Gallagher (third from left) accepts checks for his recovery effort. (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Islip Town’s Young Athletes Shine at Annual Sharpshooter Basketball Competition The Town of Islip Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs held its annual Sharpshooter Basketball competition recently, a tradition that brings together children in fourth and fifth grade from across Islip Town for some friendly competition and to help promote drug and alcohol awareness. Students and family gathered at East Islip High School for this tournament and competed to see who would make the most hoops after hearing about the history of the contest and words of encouragement from The Town Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. Continued on page 10
FULL STORIES ON: FULL STORIES ON:
Lake Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade Page 3
The Romaine Report Page 5
Hauppauge Kickline Takes 2nd Title Page 15