The 2016 Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award, which is given to officers who returned to duty after overcoming a major physical challenge, was awarded to Suffolk County Police officer Mark Collins.
Collins was shot twice, in the neck and in the hip, after he was involved in a physical struggle with a known gang member who was trying to flee during a traffic stop in March 2015, according to Suffolk County Police.
The shooter, 23-year-old Huntington Station resident Sheldon Leftenant, was sentenced to 55 years to life in prison in March.
Collins, a decorated 13-year veteran, was in a drug-induced coma at the hospital and was released after a three-day hospitalization. He has since recovered and returned to full duty with the SCPD Emergency Service Section in October.
“Officer Collins continues to serve the citizens of Suffolk County with distinction and the entire Suffolk County Police Department is honored to serve beside him,” SCPD wrote on their Facebook page. “Please join us in congratulating Officer Collins on this well-deserved award and thanking him for his heroism and dedication to the residents of Suffolk County!”
We honor you, Mark Collins.