Nassau County Police Officer Mohit Arora, who was shot in the abdomen in 2013 while responding to a home invasion in New Hyde Park, was honored with the Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Valor Award Thursday in Oyster Bay.
Arora, who had previously been injured after his car flipped during a high-speed chase on the Cross Island Parkway, was recognized for “overcom[ing] disability, physical challenge or serious illness,” as well as his “outstanding record of police work,” according to a Nassau County Police media advisory about the award.
The Third Precinct officer was not made available for comment. He was presented the award during a ceremony at the former president’s Sagamore Hill estate, which reopened in mid July following renovation.
“He has persevered when faced with a lengthy recuperation and painful physical therapy. He has not given in to his injury and thus been steadfast in his refusal to accept a less fulfilling role in his professional and personal life,” said Nassau County Police spokesman Kenneth Lack. “He is an example to all who face adversity through injury or illness by overcoming his wound and returning to full and unrestricted duty as a police officer in order to serve his community.”
Then a six-year member of the police department, Arora and another officer initially thought Xu and Qui were surrendering as they exited the front door of 41 Campbell St., but they took off on foot and fired multiple shots as the officers pursued.
Arora was hospitalized following the 2013 incident, for which Cong Xu and Renahng Qui were recently sentenced, and treated for a fractured hip bone and back injuries.
His recovery included 10 days in the hospital, four months of sick leave, three months of desk duty and five months of strength and mobility training, Lack said.
He later underwent a lower back fusion surgery that required five months of strength and mobility therapy, then returned to desk duty.
Seven months later, Lack said Arora returned to full duty.
Xu will serve 30 years after pleading guilty in February to felony charges of assault and burglary. Qui, Xu’s getaway driver, will spend seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision.
