The nonprofit Law Enforcement Officers Weekend paid a visit Sunday to a Long Island officer who’s finally home for the holidays after being seriously injured in a motorcycle crash.
LEO Weekend supports families of police who were critically injured or have fallen in the line of duty.
“Them smiling gives us the gratitude that we need to know that what we're doing is the right thing,” said Austin Glickman, president of LEO Weekend. “I've been a police officer now for 11 years, and unfortunately, being in this profession, we see a lot of the bad things that occur throughout not only our country but within our own departments. So being able to bring that little extra joy and cheer during the holiday season means the world to, not only me, but the rest of our organization and law enforcement.”
James Shanahan, of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, says he’s known Hyland since 2017.
“We went to motorcycle school together, and I give him all the credit in the world for helping get me through it,” Shanahan said. “Because I had never ridden a motorcycle before, and Michael was my wingman and my inspiration. And he still is an inspiration to me and many others today with the strength he's shown through this entire process.”
The visit included Santa and New York Islander’s mascot Sparky. The Hyland family also received gifts of Islanders tickets, jerseys and swag.
First responders also visited four other families on Long Island Sunday.
The nonprofit has helped more than 120 families across the country.