Deputy Inspector Darin Costello

Deputy Inspector Darin Costello has shown determination in returning to work after having survived a near fatal car accident. He has sixteen years of service in the Nassau County Police Department.

In December 2016, a Sergeant at the time, he was involved in a serious auto accident while off duty. He was sitting at a red light and was rear ended by another vehicle at a high rate of speed. The resulting collision forced Darin’s vehicle into a building and caused fatal injuries to the operator of the other vehicle. The damage to Darin’s vehicle was so severe that it took over 20 minutes for emergency responders to extricate him out of the car. Darin sustained multiple serious injuries, including fractures of the C-5 cervical spine vertebra and fractures of the L-1, L-2, L-2 lumbar vertebra. The vertebras that were injured are major to the functions of the body and nervous system. He spent two days in the neurological intensive unit and was then airlifted to Weill Medical Center where he underwent surgery to repair fractures to his spine. After that surgery he remained confined to a bed with a cervical spine collar for an additional eight weeks. After the eight weeks, he then went through a very demanding physical therapy program for six months where he relearned how to stand and walk again.

After surviving a nearly fatal auto accident, spinal surgery, two months of bed rest and six months of intense physical therapy, Deputy Inspector Costello requested to return to work, where he was placed on restricted assignment. After only five months of restricted assignment, he requested to be placed back to full duty where he has remained ever since.

Deputy Inspector Darin Costello is an inspiration to others. He worked hard and showed dedication and tenacity. Since his accident he has remained on full duty, has been promoted from Sergeant to Deputy Inspector and currently serves as the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Second Precinct. It is a privilege to honor him as this year’s recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award.