Officer Kenneth Baribault: Doing Well and Getting Better
News 12 Blog by Shari Einhorn
Today was one of those incredible days — the kind of day I will never forget! I got a chance to meet with Kenneth Baribault, one on one. We were away from the courthouse and away from the trial. It was a chance to see how much progress he’s made. And let me tell you — it’s amazing to see and hear him!
For those of you who may not remember, Kenneth Baribault is the Nassau Police officer who almost died last May. He was on patrol on the LIE in Plainview when he pulled over a suspected drunk driver. While sitting in his marked patrol car, ANOTHER drunk driver plowed into him. His injuries were critical. His struggle is incredible. His progress is remarkable!
Not too long ago, he couldn’t speak at all! Today we watched as he used a computer linguistics program — with help from his sister Danielle — to say words like map, mop, May and mate (the computer program is from Australia).
There are post it notes labeling household items. His family told me that because the part of his brain that was injured involves speech, he has a hard time saying the words spontaneously. He knows the mirror is a mirror, but seeing the written word helps him pronounce it correctly.
Some words are now easy and common for Baribault. His family says pizza, fudgepop, and bathroom; and a bunch of others no longer require prompts. He was able to answer my questions with a yes or a no, and he stills uses a thumbs up sign to make sure you know he means yes.
He was full of smiles for his mom and his sisters — who never leave his side! He laughed when I asked if he likes seeing them on TV!
Physically, he’s doing fabulously, according to his family. His sister told me proudly that he took 6 steps in therapy the other day. And while it may not sound like a lot — remember — Baribault was partially paralyzed from the crash! He uses a leg brace and seems determined not to give up.
Today, the Fraternal Order of Police held a golf tournament in Baribault’s honor. 156 men and women — most from the law enforcement community — battled cloudy skies and whipping winds to play the 18 hole course in Riverhead. They were out there to help raise money for Baribault and his family. But more importantly, because — as one man told me — “You never know when it could be you. That’s what really hits home.”
Baribault’s dad told me he was humbled by the outpouring of support, but chuckled when I asked if his son was interested in golf.
So back at the Baribault home, I asked Kenneth if he liked golf. He smiled, laughed, and said no.
Apparently, he’s more of a baseball guy!
Posted Thursday, October 1, 2009
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