Officer Hector Rodriguez Leaves Hospital After October Shooting
Today is a moment of joy as we stand here and you see the support that was here for Officer Rodriguez and he needs that,
First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford said Saturday. Officer Hector Rodriguez, 33, left Penn Presbyterian Medical Center after being shot 12 times while responding to a call in West Philadelphia on Oct. 10, 6abc.com reported. Philadelphia police, hospital staff, and loved ones gathered outside to applaud as he was wheeled out of the medical facility.
The discharge marks a bright point in a difficult fortnight for the Philadelphia Police Department. Stanford noted that Rodriguez faces a lengthy recovery following the October 10 incident. It’s going to be a long road for him — a long journey — and so we’re going to be behind him 100% as he goes through that process,
Stanford said. Rodriguez placed his hand over his heart to acknowledge the crowd before departing to begin the next phase of his recovery.
The department continues to mourn the loss of Sgt. Shane Seiber, who was also shot that night. Seiber, a 40-year-old father of two and a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who completed two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Air Force, did not survive. Hundreds gathered for his tribute before he was laid to rest.
WATCH LIVE: More than 100 police officers and medical personnel lined up outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center to honor Philadelphia police Officer Hector Rodriguez as he left the hospital two weeks after being shot in the line of duty. https://t.co/fPiCpKf27w
Honors Awarded and Community Support Received
Stanford extended gratitude to residents across Philadelphia and nationwide for rallying around the department. It’s a roller coaster ride, and it has been for the men and women of this department,
Stanford said, describing the emotional toll of the past two weeks. City residents and supporters from around the country have supported the department and the officers’ families.
Related reading