Irvington Officer Luigi Osso Building Strength; Looking Forward to Rejoining Force

*Maria Osso, wife of Irvington police officer Luigi Osso, sent this letter to Patch as a means to show her gratitude to the community for everything they have done for her and her husband since his accident.  

Printed below is the actual text of Maria's letter:

To the readers of The Hastings-Dobbs Ferry Patch,

On April 21, 2010, my husband, Irvington Police Officer, Luigi Osso was involved in a life-threatening motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred while Louie was on duty and in a police car. It was touch and go for a while. Louie has spent the past 10 weeks in the intensive care unit at the Westchester Medical Center and has endured 12 surgeries and procedures. Now, I am happy to say that Louie has turned the corner and is getting stronger on a daily basis. His thoughts remain upbeat as he focuses on getting better so that he can return to the work he loves, being a police officer, an Irvington Police Officer.  

When Louie gets a little stronger, he will begin the long and painful rehabilitation process. I wish that I could tell everyone where it will be and how long it will take, but I just can't. As Louie's recovery has taken hold, I now feel that the right time to reach out to everyone in the Rivertowns and say, "THANK YOU." Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echo is truly endless. Your words have reached me, now I hope that my words reach you. Mere words can not express my feelings of gratitude and thanks. A hospital waiting room can be a lonely place, but the continued outpouring of love and support from the Irvington community has helped to steady me when I was at my lowest and has constantly reminded me that I wasn't alone.

The space provided here does not permit me to thank everyone individually. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the following groups and individuals: the members of the Irvington, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Elmsford, Tarrytown, Hastings and Greenburgh Police Departments and PBA's, the members of the Irvington and Dobbs Ferry Ambulance Corps, the Irvington Fire Department, Mayor Jon Seigel and the Irvington Board of Trustees, Father Raymond Byrne of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Irvington Recreation staff and the Senior's Center, Madeline Billings, the children of the Irvington schools and last but not least the people and businesses of Irvington.

From the cards and letters, the cookies and meals to the good thoughts, kind words and prayers you have helped sustain me and my family in our time of despair. Each day I relay these extraordinary stories of kindness and generosity to Louie. I see that their positive effect fortifies him and makes him stronger. I truly believe that each and every one of you has helped to bring Louie back from the brink. The Osso and Vivenzio families are eternally grateful.

Please continue to pray for Louie,

Maria Osso