New York Police Department Detective Scot O. Abrams was born in Oceanside, Long Island, New York and was raised in Levittown, Long Island, New York along with his two older siblings and his twin brother. He was very active as a child, growing up in a neighborhood with many other children around the same age meant he would always have someone to play with. Growing up, Abrams loved building remote-controlled and model cars. His family participated in camping frequently where he and his siblings would get along very well with other children. In December of 1998, Abrams and his wife, Tara, met each other at a volunteer firemen’s Christmas party and have been happily in love since.
Abrams was inspired to join the United States Marine Corps by his brother, who was also in the United States Marine Corps and enlisted shortly after graduating high school in June of 1991. During his five years of service, Abrams was promoted meritoriously and was selected as an Honor Graduate in the Military. In July of 1998, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a New York Police Department Police Officer and was even awarded with Police Officer of the Month, as well as several citations. He still serves the New York Police Department presently, doing public speaking for the new academy classes as well as participating in different commands all over the city. In addition, Abrams has also been a volunteer firefighter since August of 1995 with the North Massapequa Fire Department. His most notable achievement was being given his title as Captain with Honorary Chief Status. Abrams is still an active volunteer administratively today. With over 32 years of service across the United States Marine Corps, New York Police Department, and North Massapequa Fire Department, Abrams takes pride in all that he achieved and overcame, and values the life lessons he learned along the way.
In 2007, while performing a funeral escort for a four-year-old child, Abrams collided his motorcycle with an MTA bus. Abrams sustained a devastating spinal cord injury, crushing four vertebrae in his neck. He also sustained a compound tibia/fibula fracture in his left leg. His injuries left him with paralysis on the left side of his body. Abrams’ recovery was long and tough. It took him about two years to learn how to do everything again, from chewing food to walking. His son, Joshua, was one year old at the time of Abrams’ accident.
Despite this, Abrams persevered through it all. He and his family presently live in Massapequa, New York. Tara, Abrams’ wife, has stood by his side through the good times as well as the tough times. Joshua, his son, is now eighteen years old and helps his father in any way he can. Abrams’ wish for Joshua is that he always remains strong and pushes through anything that is thrown in his way, just as Abrams has done throughout his life. The three of them love the beach, where Abrams enjoys reading books while Tara searches for seashells and Joshua fishes. Abrams also took up hunting following his brother-in-law and shares this hobby with Joshua.
In the future, Abrams is most excited to continue to watch his son grow up alongside his loving wife. Joshua’s aspirations are to follow his father’s footsteps and join the United States Marine Corps, as well as become a New York Police Department Police Officer. Abrams wants everyone to know to never give up, to always push through, and you will be successful in life; pass on what you have learned, and if one person learns something, you have done your job, and try to pay it forward.
Detective Scot O. Abrams is grateful to Tunnel to Towers Foundation for simply understanding his and his family’s situation and for lifting a great weight off of their shoulders.