The Department of Public Safety officer severely injured by a lightning strike last week has made several strides on the road to a full recovery.

On Sept. 1 at 11:55 p.m., DPS officer Stanley Prue’s patrol vehicle was hit by lightning on South Campus, sending both him and DPS senior detective Edward Weber to Upstate Medical University that night.

Prue suffered severe burns across his body and head injuries, sending him into intensive care in the hospital’s burn unit, said DPS Chief Tony Callisto. Weber also went to the hospital that night with a few minor injuries and bruises.

On Sunday night, Callisto said Prue is “doing much better.” His condition was downgraded from intensive care, and he is moving onto the hospital’s general floor.

Two nursing supervisors at Upstate Medical confirmed on Sunday night that Prue was in “fair condition.”

According to the American Hospital Association’s website, “fair condition” indicates a patient’s vital signs are stable and within normal limits and that the patient is conscious, but also possibly uncomfortable.

“I met with him and his family this afternoon. While he still has headaches and some pain in his hand, he’s significantly better than the past three days,” Callisto said. “He is still in the hospital, but he may be moved into rehab by next week.”

When EMS responders took Prue to the intensive care unit, Callisto said, Prue was in a substantial amount of pain. Prue is now taking medications from the hospital and feeling much less pain than before, he said.

While Prue has been off-duty since being struck by lightning, he intends to return right back to full-time duty after recovering, Callisto said.

“We were talking about that today, what needs to be done in his absence and what needs to be done when he comes back. So he’s expected to return,” he said.

Weber, the officer alongside Prue, was also sent to the hospital and returned to active duty in the investigations unit last Thursday, after being released from the hospital hours after the accident, Callisto said.

He said Weber is performing his regular duties, as well as completing rehabilitation for the injuries he sustained.

It is still uncertain when Prue will return to active duty, but Callisto said DPS will announce when he is recovered and working again as a DPS officer.

Published on September 9, 2013 at 1:06 am

Contact Alfred: alng@syr.edu

@alfredwkng