Thousand gathered to honor Detective Gilmartin’s recovery
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Scranton Detective Kyle Gilmartin got a hero’s tribute in Lackawanna County.
A few months after he was nearly killed in a gang-related shooting in the Electric City.
Friday night’s homecoming was a chance to say “thank you” and raise money for Gilmartin’s recovery.
Detective Gilmartin has been making incredible progress on his road to recovery after returning home just a month ago from rehab.
Thousands gathered on the mountain tonight to remind him once again, that he’s not alone during this challenging time.
Standing in front of an American flag with his family alongside him an emotional detective Kyle Gilmartin took to the stage at Montage Mountain in Scranton.
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“I’m just so grateful for it and it’s unbelievable to see. it gives me faith and it gives me faith in this community and reassured me why I did my job,” said Detective Kyle Gilmartin from the Scranton Police Department.
Hundreds of his supporters generously gave donations for him and his family Friday night from raffle basket tickets.
To live entertainment from local bands and a silent auction.
“That’s what this is all about. He’s got a long road ahead of him but he has the heart of a lion,” says Guy Salerno Chief of Police Blakely Police Department.
“Without the support, I would be struggling right now financially, and I have a hard time buying gifts for my son’s birthday. It makes me cry when I talk about it,” stated Detective Gilmartin
Detective Gilmartin survived two shots to the head while on duty in January.
He says he’s grateful to be here for his son Liam, who turns a year old in less than a week.
“Last week I saw the NYPD detective who was killed in the line of duty and I saw him holding his son and I just thank god every day that’s not the case for my son,” added Detective Gilmartin.
Continuing to make progress on his road to recovery, Detective Gilmartin hasn’t failed to amaze all those who back him.
“It’s amazing just being a nurse. It really is. It’s just emotional,” says Karen Haynos from Scranton.
“It does not shock me that his will to survive is pushing him the way it is,” added Salerno.
For those closest to him, he’s always been an inspiration.
“I want to be a nice person like him,” stated Blake Shilineski family of Gilmartin.
“He’s just really really strong and I love him,” continued Aly Gilmartin Kyle’s niece.
All the money raised from the event will go toward Detective Gilmartin and his family.
Detective Gilmartin will undergo surgery on April 24 where he says a prosthetic skull will be put into place on the right side of his head allowing him to heal a little bit quicker.
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