Miracle as Irish American NYPD cop shot in head discharged from hospital

Kevin Brennan walks out to a hero's welcome from fellow boys in blue

By: KATE HICKEY | Published Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:30 AM | Updated Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:54 AM

Kevin Brennan, the Irish American NYPD cop who was shot in the head at point-blank range just ten days ago, is recuperating at home with his family in Garden City Park, Long Island.

On Friday the 28-year-old cop was miraculously well enough to be discharged from Bellevue Hospital. Brennan is now resting at home with his wife Janet and his two-month-old daughter, Maeve.

Over 200 NYPD officers applauded and bagpipes played as Brennan walked out of the New York hospital with his family. Brennan also had a surprise visit from the Giant’s player Justin Tuck. A die-hard Giants fan, Brennan fittingly left the hospital wearing the defensive end’s No. 91 jersey.

Tuck told CBS, “I  wanted to show him some support.”

Brennan told Newsday, “I’m very excited. I miss my daughter so much...She’s the reason I got through this.”

NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said that the fact that Brennan has survived his injuries was a miracle. On 31st January, Brennan was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head while on patrol in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The .38-caliber bullet was lodged against his skull.

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The suspected shooter, Luis “Baby” Ortiz (21), a member of the gang “Latin Kings” has been charged with attempted murder and numerous related felony counts. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Kelly said that Brennan's amazing turnaround has been a "boost of morale for the entire department" He also commended the officer’s remarkable courage.

"This is a great story…This young man gave his all, we see in the film where he tackles this individual [who] has a gun in his hand. He knew, he saw the gun. And yet he went right at him and grabbed him, and he was shot at point blank range, and it truly is a miracle that he survived."

Brennan’s father, Dave, thanked the NYPD for their support, especially Commissioner Kelly who visited Brennan five time in hospital.

He told the New York Post, “If you don't believe in miracles ... You saw my son. You saw my son walk out of that hospital you saw him go into his house with his daughter -- that is a miracle. All the thoughts and prayers everybody had prayed for my son -- it worked."

Brennan’s wife, Janet, is “ecstatic” that her husband is well enough to come home, said NYPD spokesman Paul Browne. He added that although Brennan’s making an amazing recovery “he still needs rest”.

Janet has kept a bed-side vigil since the incident. She also brought Maeve to see her husband in hospital.

Patty Masi, Brennan’s sister-in-law said “Everybody is shocked that he’s getting out early…I mean who do you know that walks away from a head shot wound first of all, and then walks out of the hospital two weeks later?”

She insists that once he’s well enough there will be a big party to celebrate his recovery, but now the family is focusing on getting him settled in at home.

Brennan will continue his rehabilitation at an outpatient facility near his Garden City Park home.