Farmington Cop Badly Hurt On The Job Returns To Work After A Year

FARMINGTON, CT — One of Farmington's Finest returned to active duty Monday for the first time in nearly a year after being badly hurt on the job Sept. 20, 2021.

Farmington police officer James O'Donnell officially returned to active duty Monday, but it wasn't a typical day for the proud policeman.

That's because, when he walked out of the lobby to begin his 3 p.m. shift, he had just a little bit of fanfare.

In fact, he had a lot of it, courtesy of men and women in blue from several area departments to welcome him back to his professional home.

With a giant American flag as a backdrop and several area police officers lining up, O'Donnell received the proverbial royal treatment celebrating his long road to recovery.

About a year ago, O'Donnell was badly hurt by a fleeing suspect's vehicle in the early morning hours.

He suffered multiple broken bones that required several surgeries and a long recovery, a recovery that ended with smiles and warm wishes on Monday.

The poignant event was chronicled on Facebook by the Farmington Police Department Monday and drew statewide media attention.

"Thank you to our friends and fellow officers from the Avon Police Department, the West Hartford Police Department, and the Burlington Police Department as well as members of the Farmington Fire Department and news media partners who helped us welcome Officer James O'Donnell back to full duty this afternoon," wrote the FPD on social media.

Prior to the warm display, the FPD sent out media statements in advance about the "surprise" event.

Thankfully, the media kept its lips sealed and the surprise was genuine.

There is now word, however, on how O'Donnell's Tuesday went.

For the Farmington Police Department's Facebook page, click on this link.

From Sept. 21, 2021: 'Farmington Officer Hit By Stolen Car Recovering After Surgery'