LAKE CARMEL-Kevin Radovich hopes to be patrolling the roads of Lake Carmel and Kent with his prosthetic leg before the end of summer.

The 23-year-old member of the Kent Police Department lost control of his motorcycle six weeks ago on Farmers Mills Road in western Kent while rounding a curve and plowed head-on into a Ford Explorer SUV. Radovich, who was off-duty at the time, was ejected from the cycle and lost a portion of his left leg from the knee down. The off-duty patrolman was administered to at the scene and was stabilized before being airlifted by a STAT-Flight helicopter to the Westchester Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Physicians were unable to save the limb.

The injury probably would have meant the end of the line for any officer of the law. Kevin Radovich is not ANY officer of the law. The young man served for many years with the Kent Police Department's cadet program and within a week of graduating from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology, he became the newest member of the Kent Police Department.

During his first year on the job, Officer Radovich gained the respect of his peers and officers from neighboring emergency services agencies.

Last Saturday, that love and admiration for the young man was evident when more than 1000 gathered at Lake Carmel FD headquarters for a "10-13-Officer Needs Assistance."

Thousands of dollars was raised that will help Kevin pay for spiraling medical expenses not covered by his health insurance as well as a new computerized prosthetic leg that will allow the young cop to return to work. He is currently back in uniform handling desk duty assignments.

Radovich looked around at the mass of humanity and said: "I am absolutely amazed. The community has been my cheerleader since day one. I don't think I could have succeeded without the support and care and concern expressed by so many friends as well as total strangers. I will never ever have the opportunity to thank these wonderful people."

For the first time since the mishap, Radovich agreed to an interview: " I knew I had been hurt bad when the bike went down but I had no idea how serious the injury was and what I'd have to go through to get back into shape. With the support of my guys at the police department the trip has become bearable. Now that I am dispatching, I'm almost there. Returning to road patrol is my next goal."

After undergoing surgery at the medical center May 5, Kevin spent a week at the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains where he was fitted with a temporary prosthetic leg. On Monday, he traveled to Long Island where he was measured and fitted for a computerized limb. "It's amazing. The new leg does everything except talk to me since its computer chip makes readings 50 times each second. In six months, I will be fitted for a new prototype that will be used by the Marines. The computer will be completely sealed which means it can even be submerged in water. Imagine that? I will be able to make water rescues," he said.

Kevin's significant other, Morissa Pellino of Carmel, beamed with pride when dozens of well-wishers stopped by to wish the young cop God speed.

"I can't believe the number of people who have touched our lives already. Kevin will make it and return to the job he loves. Look at him already. The accident happened a little over a month ago and here he is walking around. It will take a lot of practice and much work but Kevin will succeed," said Morissa.

Jim O'Neill of Lake Carmel, a retired NYPD detective and President of the Putnam Coujty Stephen Driscoll Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, shook Kevin's hand. "I never have come across such a fine young man with such enthusiasm. He is positive all the way. What a tribute to our profession!"

Lt. Alex DiVernieri also praised the young officer: "When Kevin puts his mind to something he never quits until he reaches success. With his new prosthesis I'm sure he will be able to return to full duty."

State Senator Vincent Leibell stopped by and wished the patrolman well: "Kevin will have a long career thanks to his determination and modern technology. One of the things we have all learned from the military and Veterans Administration is that you can come back from a serious injury and have a great career and great family life. This WILL happen for Officer Kevin."

Kent Police Sgt. Jerry Raneri was one of the first cops on the scene of that Sunday afternoon crash in western Kent. "I felt so badly for Kevin. He is such a great kid-enthusiastic, professional and kind. I love him like a son," said the veteran officer who celebrates his 30th year on the job this summer.

Raneri predicted that Radovich would return full-time: "I've known Kevin for years and watched him grow into a fine young man and professional officer. If anyone can beat the odds and return to his job, it will be Kevin."