A veteran Massachusetts police officer was seriously hurt when he was struck by an SUV in Burlington on Wednesday.
A second officer who tried to help him was also injured.
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The Burlington Police Department said the two officers were working a construction detail with an Eversource crew on Cambridge Street Wednesday morning when a driver pulled into the parking lot. According to investigators, the driver hit the gas instead of the brake, crashing into one of the officers hard enough to send him flying into the air. He landed on top of the SUV.
The officer has been identified as Timothy Kirchner, who retired as a sergeant in June and has stayed on as a reserve officer. He has been with the department for 32 years, police said.
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Kirchner, who has what police describe as serious injuries to his arm, elbow and leg, was taken to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center for further treatment
The second officer was also hit as he was reaching out to try to grab Kirchner when the vehicle approached. That officer, identified as Paul Glejzer, was also taken to the hospital.
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Both officers are expected to recover, though it will take time, officials said.
The driver, a 75-year-old Reading man, remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators, according to police.
