Detective Kyle Gilmartin returns home to Scranton
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A triumphant day in Scranton.
The city of Scranton welcomed home their very own Detective Kyle Gilmartin. It was an emotional return, with many from the community and beyond who came out to show support.
Outside the Scranton Police Headquarters, many filled the parking lot and lawn, waiting for the anticipated return of Detective Kyle Gilmartin, who many call a hero.
In early January, Gilmartin was shot twice in the head while in the of duty - when he and fellow officers were ambushed in a gang-related shooting.
Two weeks after leaving the hospital, Gilmartin was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Philadelphia.
And Friday, Gilmartin walked out of the Scranton Police Department with his wife Lindsay, greeted with a round of applause.
“The police officers I was with that night, the medical staff, my surgeons at Geisinger CMC, and the nurses and therapists at Moss Rehab outside of Philadelphia are the true heroes of this situation." said Scranton Police Detective, Kyle Gilmartin.
“That day I was just an ordinary man who was just placed in an extraordinary circumstance, in which I faced evil and won, due to the grace of God. My family and I are beyond proud of Northeastern Pennsylvania and how its people respond to this senseless tragedy. We thank you for the prayers which have worked as well as the donations which will be needed greatly in the future,” said Gilmartin.
“If I could choose one thing to come from this it would be that I be the last victim of senseless violence,” he added.
Pennsylvania State Police Major Mike Carroll says it's a day of celebration.
“All of our members wanted to be here to make sure we can all be a part of the special day,” said Pennsylvania State Police Major Mike Carroll.
“Knowing everything he went through, he is an amazing person, and a very strong individual, his family is very strong,” said Carroll.
“To be as healthy as he is right now is a miracle,” he added.
Lackawanna County Commissioner, Chris Chermak says he couldn’t ask for a better day with the show of support.
“For what he has been through, he looked fabulous. I had tears in my eyes listening to what he had to say, and his family here, it was tough,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner, Chris Chermak.
Kyle Gilmartin says we can all work together and end youth gang violence.
READ MORE: Det. Gilmartin will be Rep. Cartwright's guest at 2024 State of the Union Address
"Today, we gather to celebrate the homecoming of a strong man who defied the odds as an officer of the law with selfless dedication to this very noble profession," said Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll.
You can watch the live stream below or click here.
"No doubt many prayers were answered and we continue to pray that we never have to endure such a tragedy again," Carroll said.
In Gilmartin's return to Scranton, he said he wasn't the hero in this event, but rather the many people around him who helped him following the shooting.
READ MORE: Scranton collaborates with D.C. group to explore root causes of city's gang violence
"I am not the hero of this situation," Gilmartin said. "The police officers I was with that night, the medical staff, my surgeons at Geisinger CMC, and the nurses and therapists at Moss Rehab outside of Philadelphia are the true heroes of this situation."
That day I was just an ordinary man who was just placed in an extraordinary circumstance, in which I faced evil and won, due to the grace of God. My family and I are beyond proud of Northeastern Pennsylvania and how its people respond to this senseless tragedy. We thank you for the prayers which have worked as well as the donations which will be needed greatly in the future.Gilmartin asked parents to talk to their children, to help mitigate violence in the community.
"If I can choose one thing to come from this, it will be that I will be the last victim of senseless violence," Gilmartin said. "If you're a parent, you need to talk, you need to be talking to your children. If you hear information rises concerning a juvenile or irresponsible person being in possession of a firearm, it must be reported."
READ MORE: Law Enforcement Hosts Discussion about Gang Violence
"Together, we can all work and end youth gang violence," Gilmartin said. "Let's all work together to steer our children to be looking up to positive role models."
The fundraiser created for Gilmartin and his family has raised over $205,000.
Check back for updates.
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