Michael Hyland 

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A Nassau County Highway Patrol officer who was critically injured while escorting a funeral procession last month will be released from the hospital Thursday, Nov. 6, the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association announced.

Officer Michael Hyland, 53, suffered serious injuries in an Oct. 6 crash while leading a funeral procession in Lindenhurst. According to Suffolk County Police, Hyland’s 2020 Harley Davidson collided with a 2020 Toyota Tundra driven by Jeffrey Geller, 61, on North Wellwood Avenue at Jerome Street around 11:08 a.m.

Hyland, a respected police motorcycle school instructor at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute, was initially transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip before being transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he has spent the last month in recovery.

The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association said Hyland will be released Thursday following weeks of intensive treatment and rehabilitation.

“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,” PBA President Tommy Shevlin said in an earlier statement. “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.”

Shevlin asked the community to continue keeping Hyland and his family in their thoughts as his recovery continues.

Community Support

Support for Hyland has surged across Long Island’s law enforcement community and beyond.

A GoFundMe campaign titled Help Michael Hyland and His Family — launched by Michael Lamiroult of Huntington Station — has raised more than $143,800 of its $160,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

The fundraiser calls Hyland “a dedicated member of our law enforcement family and Motorcycle Platoon,” who was “critically injured while performing a funeral escort—an act of solemn duty and respect.”

“Officer Hyland has always led with courage, compassion, and commitment,” the campaign reads. “Whether protecting our streets or honoring the fallen, he exemplifies the spirit of service. Now, he and his family need our support.”

More than 1,300 donors have contributed to the campaign, including fellow officers, local residents, and entire precinct units. Notable messages include heartfelt prayers and donations from the NCPD 8th Precinct POP Unit, and a touching prayer for healing shared by Stephen Santinelli, who wrote:

“Lord Jesus, you are the Great Physician... Fill Michael with the healing power of your Spirit. Mend what is broken. Rebuild and replenish any damaged areas of his body... We ask for total healing in your name. Amen.”

Another donor, Daniel E. Miller, offered $500 and wrote, “Mike, may God bless, watch over, and provide strength and comfort to you and your family during this most horrific and fragile time. Our love, prayers, and support are with you all.”

Those wishing to donate can visit the official fundraiser here.

Investigation

The Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 631-852-6555. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS or via the P3 Tips app.