Brother of Suffolk officer critically injured in high-speed chase joins sheriff's department
Graduate Connor Gallagher says that completing the academy and joining the force is a family legacy.
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It's graduation day for 60 new correction officers in Suffolk.
Graduate Connor Gallagher says that completing the academy and joining the force is a family legacy.
"You get it done at the end of the day and you push through it. It's great to be on the Suffolk County Corrections and follow in my dad's footsteps," he said.
Connor isn't the first member of the family to follow in his dad's footsteps.
His older brother, Brendon Gallagher, is a Suffolk police officer.
"Well, my dad sought it and then I sought it and now he's doing it. So it's good to keep it going," he said.
Brendon Gallagher was the Suffolk County police officer critically injured in a car crash one year ago on the LIE while chasing a suspect. He's since recovered and helped present his brother with his badge, welcoming him to the Suffolk County Corrections department.
In January 2025, police say a driver going more than 100 mph and high on drugs crashed into Brendon Gallagher's police cruiser on the LIE in Brentwood, leaving him trapped and fighting for his life on a ventilator.
He still serves on the Suffolk police department.
Brendon and Connor's father Michael Gallagher is a retired Suffolk correction officer and says he looks forward to what the future holds for his sons.
"Couldn't be more proud of both of these guys," he said.
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