A University of Pennsylvania police officer who was wounded in Friday’s rampage shooting fought back tears Monday night as he was honored by his peers.
"I was happy to see them," said Officer Ed Miller. "Very happy."
Miller attended the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police 4th Annual Monday Night Football Tailgate Party. Proceeds from the event went to both Miller as well as Philadelphia Police Sergeant Sylvia Young who remains hospitalized after she was injured in the shooting.
Miller was also visited by Philadelphia Eagles' players Jordan Matthews, Trey Burton, Zach Ertz and Jordan Hicks while he recovered at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Saturday. Miller was released from the hospital Sunday.
Miller suffered gunshot wounds to his hip and leg when he confronted a rampaging gunman, later identified by authorities as Nicholas Glenn, on 48th Street.
"At that time it was just about subduing the threat and protecting the public," Miller said during Monday's event. "That's it."
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Glenn had already shot Sgt. Young, along with four civilians, one of whom died, according to investigators. Young, a 19-year veteran, remains in a local hospital in stable condition. She suffered numerous gunshot wounds to her left shoulder, arm and torso when Glenn approached her patrol car and opened fire through the window, police said.
Glenn subsequently died in a shootout with other responding officers. Police found a note on him addressed to "doomed people" that they say contained rants and raves about his hatred for police and for his probation officer.
Miller served as a Philadelphia Police officer for 33 years before retiring as a sergeant and joining Penn’s police department. During Monday's event he showed his gunshot wounds to his right hip and ankle as well as his right arm which was grazed. Miller said he's lucky but isn't planning on ending his career in law enforcement.
"It's in my blood so I'll be back," Miller said. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Penn Police Superintendent Maureen Rush praised Miller's heroic actions during the night of the rampage shooting.
"Ed didn't care who was being attacked," she said. "He didn't care their race. He didn't care about any of that. He wanted to protect people and he did a darn good job of doing that. Thank God he's here."
