NYPD officer hurt in Queens hatchet attack receives Medal of Honor

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A New York City police officer severely wounded in a brazen daylight hatchet attack in Queens receive the NYPD's highest honor Tuesday.

Officer Kenneth Healey was awarded the Medal of Honor his heroic actions. Healey and three other officers were patrolling a bustling Queens commercial district last fall when a man charged them with an 18-inch hatchet.

Healey was critically injured after fighting with the suspect. He suffered a gash to the head, while Officer Joseph Meeker was hit in the arm.

A bystander was wounded by a bullet when police shot and killed the suspect. The man had posted online rantings against America.

Healey needed numerous surgeries after suffering a shattered skull. He returned to the force more than a year later.

All four officers were honored, and Meeker received the Medal of Valor.