Folcroft police officer Chris Dorman, who was shot seven times Friday while on duty, headed home Monday afternoon after an escorted procession from the hospital to the fire company where he has volunteered for a decade.
At the Folcroft Fire Company, he received rousing applause and said only a few words. But one thing was clear when someone asked how he was feeling.
"Ready to get back to work," he told those gathered at the station.
Police and fire crews escorted the 25-year-old patrolman from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, with the motorcade passing under water jets as it rolled by the firehouse. Dorman joined Folcroft's force as a part-time officer last summer and has volunteered with the borough's fire department since he was 16.
Dorman was shot in the face, neck and arm while investigating alleged drug activity Friday morning. Police said the gunman was a drug dealer whose parole was supposed to end the following day. Donte Brooks Island surrendered after SWAT officers stormed an apartment building. He was arraigned Friday on attempted murder and related charges.
It's tough to imagine a time compressed with more drama for Dorman than the last three days.
After Dorman's condition improved from critical to stable condition, Saturday night during his Philadelphia concert, country music star Kenny Chesney mistakenly told fans Dorman had passed away in the hospital.
Chesney called the officer at the hospital on Sunday, apologized and said he'd love to catch an Eagles game and a few beers with Dorman soon.
Dorman is expected to make a full recovery.
