Officer hit by alleged druken driver improving

An update on Nassau County Police Officer Kenneth Baribault's condition was given Wednesday afternoon when family members, County Legis. David Mejias, PBA officials and local leaders of Mothers Against Drunk Driving talked about a fundraising benefit for him Thursday night.

Baribault, 30, is still in rehabilitation from brain trauma and a shattered pelvis after an alleged intoxicated motorist smashed into him on the Long Island Expressway early May 18 as he sat in his car making a query about another alleged drunk driver he had pulled over.

Baribault, who was virtually paralyzed for a time after the crash, is now able to chew and swallow and even lift a fork to his mouth with his left hand, said his sister Danielle Rella, who was accompanied by their sister, Jennifer Baribault.

They said Long Islanders have shown they care, and their brother is improving slowly.

"He's still unable to move his right arm or legs," said Rella, "but his doctors are optimistic, though he faces a long road to recovery."

Mejias (D-Farmingdale), vice chairman of the leglislature's Public Safety Committee, coordinated the news conference on the south steps of the Nassau State Supreme Court Building in Garden City.

"Drunk driving is a problem in Nassau," said Mejias. "Even a uniformed police officer in marked police car is not immune."

Police Benevolent Association officials who are heading Thursday night's benefit said the money will go toward the education of Baribault's son, Chris, 6, and help defray hotel costs for the officer's parents and sister, who have been staying near the West Orange, N.J., rehabilitation facility where Baribault is being treated.

MADD's Tom McCoy said he was on hand to show support for Baribault and the fundraiser.

Legis. Dennis Dunne (R-Levittown) said the same. "I'll do what I can to help," he said.

The benefit Thursday is set for 6 to 11 p.m. at Mulcahy's in Wantagh

By SID CASSESE (Newsday)
Posted Thursday, August 14, 2008

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