"We're here as family:" Hundreds stand in support of MPD officer released from the hospital

“We`re here as family:” Hundreds stand in support of MPD officer released from the hospital

"We`re here as family:" Hundreds stand in support of MPD officer released from the hospital

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Officer Brandon Baranowski was released from Froedtert Hospital on Wednesday, July 20th after treatment for a gunshot wound. He left the hospital with his family at his side -- and salutes from fellow officers on the Milwaukee Police Department as well as friends.

Law enforcement officials with the Milwaukee Police Department, the West Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the Marquette University Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department were there Wednesday to show support to Officer Baranowski and his family.

Support for Officer Brandon Baranowski (PHOTO: Milwaukee Police Department)

Many had never met him before Wednesday morning.

"It's an incredible day for us," Mike Crivello, president of the Milwaukee Police Association said.

"We`re here as family. We`re here to support as a family," Jennifer Martin, wife of a police officer said.

T-shirts were passed out, touting support for law enforcement.

Support for Officer Brandon Baranowski

"It shows our representation and how tight we all are," Lt. Joe Vanderlinden with the Milwaukee Police Department said.

Cell phones were in position as a crowd of hundreds waited patiently for the man of the hour to exit Froedtert Hospital.

Officer Brandon Baranowski released from the hospital

Officer Baranowski was released after he was shot five times in the line of duty while on the scene of a domestic violence related call Sunday morning, July 17th.

"I was working at the time this incident came over. And your heart just falls. You know it could be you," Lt. Charles Berard said.

Lt. Charles Berard

Berard, with the Honor Guard, typically stands at attention in his role -- at much more somber affairs.

"When it comes to something like this, you have to rejoice a little bit that it was minor in comparison to the other result. No way do we want to stand at another police funeral," Berard said.

Berard said it was an honor to stand at Froedtert in support of Officer Baranowski.

Officer Brandon Baranowski released from the hospital

"When you look at the expression on the officer's face when he comes through -- he sees his friends. He sees his department. He sees all the law enforcement community coming together. That makes what you do each day and each night, stand for a value," Berard said.

Baranowski expressed his desire to return to work, and Crivello said that was great to hear.

Officer Brandon Baranowski released from the hospital

Officer Baranowski released from the hospital

Below is Baranowski's statement Wednesday:

"I want to express my thanks to the community, law enforcement partners and all of those who have given me and my family the support, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time. It truly means a lot to me -- especially to have you here today. I want to give a special thanks to the police officers, detectives, firefighters who helped me on Sunday morning and since this incident. A special thanks goes to the Froedtert doctors and staff who have worked tirelessly to care for me and start my road to recovery. I have a long road of recovery ahead of me and look forward to rejoining my police family to serve and protect the citizens of Milwaukee. I can't thank you enough for everything."