Ramsey Police Captain Injured During Sandy Says Community is Key to Recovery

Ramsey Police Captain Ray Bailey says that responding to Superstorm Sandy, which many have termed one of the most destructive natural disasters to hit the area, was not one of the toughest calls he’s handled in his 25-year career at the RPD.

“That’s what we do,” he said. “Things like Sandy aren’t the tough calls. When you have an injured child, or you have to inform parents that their child has been hurt – those are the tough calls.”

And Bailey, who is now recovering at home after over a week in the hospital and three weeks at a physical therapy facility after a tree crashed down on top of him during the storm, says he is not letting the Oct. 29 storm get the best of him.

This week, for the first time since the storm, Bailey said he was able to put a little of his weight on his left leg, which twisted and snapped in three places when the tree hit him. He has not yet been able to move his shoulder, which shattered in six places as a result of the accident. Other injuries he sustained during Sandy – like several broken ribs and torn muscles – will heal on their own, he said.

Now, Bailey is recovering peacefully. He is in his Ramsey home, getting “an unbelievable amount of help and support” from his wife, three sons, two who are in college, and one who is a junior at Ramsey High School, and his playful dog, Shelby.

But, he can still recall nearly every moment of his horrific accident.

“We were responding to calls for trees on houses, one where a person got stuck in a car,” he said. “We responded to so many calls that night, but those were the most serious.”

When passing Darlington Ave. on their way back to police headquarters, Bailey and Sergeant Tim Flanagan noticed a barricade set up earlier that evening had blown down. Flanagan was tying the caution tape up on one side of the street, “and I ran to the other side to a stop sign,” Bailey said. “I actually looked up, and I didn’t see anything. I thought I’d be safe from falling debris there.”

Suddenly, a tree came crashing down, apparently from across the street, and hit Bailey on the back of his right shoulder and neck.

“It came from behind me, so I didn’t see it or hear it coming or anything like that.”

Bailey said his legs were tangled in the branches, he was pinned to the ground, and, though he remained conscious the whole time, “it was the most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

Still, he said his first concern was for Flanagan.

“I’ve worked with him my entire career. So, I called out his name, and I didn’t get a response. I assumed the worst, but luckily he was fine. He was on the radio already coordinating a response.”

In what Bailey said seemed like “two seconds,” the borough’s emergency responders descended on the scene – other police officers, Ramsey Fire Department, Rescue Squad, OEM, and Ambulance volunteers all worked to free Bailey from the tree.

"When those guys show up, you know you're going to be OK," he said.

Ramsey Police Lt. Brian Lyman and first responder Brian Behrmann used chainsaws to cut the tree’s branches one-by-one, eventually freeing Bailey.

“I remember them doing all the things they have to do,” he said. “I remember being put on the long board, and putting on the collar, and being put in the ambulance.”

Bailey was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he underwent two surgeries – one that added a metal rod in his left leg and one that inserted a metal apparatus underneath the muscle in his right shoulder.

Bailey said his physical therapy is going well – this week, using his one-handed walker – he was even able to go out to get a haircut, and attend a Ramsey High School Winter Concert.

“It was good to get out of the house,” he said.

Throughout his ongoing recovery, Bailey said he has received an “unbelieveable” amount of support from his family, the police department, and the entire Ramsey community.

“Chief Gurney has been so great, and there hasn’t been one day yet where I haven’t received a phone call or a visit from at least one officer,” Bailey said. That’s fifty-plus days and counting, of visits.

He’s received countless cards, letters and notes of well wishes from residents. Some of the most meaningful, he said, came from St. Paul’s CCD program, and the student body of Ramsey High School.

“The kids took it upon themselves to write to me,” he said. “I thought that was pretty great.”

Neighbors have been pitching in to help, he said. Some have cooked meals for the family. Others, like Bailey’s friend and Ramsey volunteer Erik Endress, even pumped water out of Bailey’s basement after the storm. Ramsey’s Sal the Barber even visited Bailey at the hospital to cut his hair.

He’s received baskets, gifts, visits, calls and more.

“I look at the support I have, at my wife, whose been so steadfast through all of this,” Bailey said. “It really makes me realize how blessed I am.”

Bailey said he hopes to be walking without the walker again in about a month, at which time he’ll begin more active therapy on his shoulder. Because his injury is so unique, doctors say they are unsure when, or if, it will entirely heal.

“I have a great family and a great community, and they help me feel strong,” he said. “I feel like I am going to recover 100%.”

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