April 11, 2023 Wyoming Area Regional Police Lt. Michael Turner, the former West Pittston police chief, suffered critical injuries in a head-on collision last year while driving a vehicle with his former agency.
By Bob Kalinowski Source The Citizens’ Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
WEST PITTSTON, PA—Less than four months after nearly being killed in a devastating crash on Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming, former West Pittston police chief Michael Turner returned to work Monday — his first day donning the Wyoming Area Regional Police uniform.
As the force’s new lieutenant, he will now be second in charge of the fledgling department that launched Jan. 1 while Turner recovered.
“I’m excited. I’m nervous. It’s like the first day of school. The emotion that went through my body, I can’t explain,” Turner said Monday after arriving at the department’s headquarters at the West Pittston Municipal Building. “This is a day I never thought would come based on my injuries.”
Turner, 48, driving a West Pittston police pickup truck, suffered critical injuries in a head-on crash that occurred Dec. 15 near the Midway Shopping Center.
“To be honest with you, I don’t recall much and I’m grateful I don’t,” Turner said.
The other driver, Thomas L. Fiorini, 63, of Wyoming, who police said crossed into Turner’s lane, died in the wreck.
Turner, a 22-year law enforcement veteran, is well aware he cheated death that day.
“I was in bad shape,” Turner said.
Turner’s injuries included a fractured skull, brain bleeding, broken ribs, a cracked patella and a shattered hip.
His recovery has defied all odds and expectations, allowing him to return to police work within just four months.
“Going on disability wasn’t ever a question. It wasn’t even a thought in my head,” Turner said.
Turner said the outpouring of support he received motivated him to get better and return to work.
Among those who reached out to him were Penn State football Coach James Franklin and Notre Dame football Coach Marcus Freeman, who sent cards, and New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien, who sent a video message.
“I’m just excited to come back and work for Wyoming Area Regional. That was my ultimate work for a large department,” Turner said.
The Wyoming Area Regional Police Department is a result of a merger between the police forces in Exeter, Exeter Twp., West Pittston, West Wyoming and Wyoming.
Turner said his new boss, Chief D.F. Pace, a veteran Philadelphia police officer, has visited him just about every day to offer support and keep him updated on the progress of the new department.
Pace said he’s excited to start working with Turner, who was chief in West Pittston since 2017.
“This day couldn’t come soon enough for me. Your recovery was nothing short of extraordinary,” Pace said.
Pace recalled being very worried for Turner’s survival the evening of the crash and said Turner’s recovery is an inspiration.
“I’m thankful for this day and am looking forward to working with you,” Pace told Turner.