Updated 02/24/2012 05:02 PM
Two NYPD Officers Wounded In Line Of Duty Get Promotions
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Two members of the New York City Police Department were promoted Friday as they continue their recoveries from gunshot wounds received on the job.
The ceremony was held at One Police Plaza, the NYPD headquarters in Downtown Manhattan.
Officer Kevin Herlihy, a 21-year veteran of the force, who was shot in the arm by a murder suspect inside the subway station at 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue last Tuesday, was promoted to detective first grade.
"I just focus on my family, my wife and kids. When it gets overwhelming, I take a shower: It hides the tears, doesn't remove the pain," Herlihy said.
Officer Kevin Brennan, a four-year veteran of the force, who was shot in the base of the skull last month while chasing a suspect in a Brooklyn housing project, was bumped up to detective investigator.
"I think I'm the luckiest man on the planet. I know how lucky I am. I probably shouldn't be here giving this press conference right now," Brennan said.
Brennan said thoughts of his firstborn child, his six-month old girl Maeve, kept him going through the painful rehab.
"Progressing enough that I could go home meant everything to me," said Brennan.
The officers say they are continuing to receive therapy. It is not known if or when they will be able to return to the job.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly hung the department's goals on the actions and suffering of both.
"They are the reason neighborhoods across the city have been transformed," said Kelly.
Both promoted officers acknowledged an unenviable but undeniable bond.
"After I was released I reached out to his family and he called me," said Herlihy. "Thank god Kevin has a hard head and we're all here."