Constable Jeff Smith has been released from the hospital and is “recovering well at home,” the Belleville Police Service said on Thursday.
“ Constable Smith and his family remain incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown by the community and beyond over the past several weeks. Every well wish and message of encouragement has been sincerely appreciated,” the police service said in a press release.
In an email to National Post, the police service added, “ Regarding return to work question, right now, the priority is his recovery. We are encouraged by his progress and are pleased that he is able to recover surrounded by the support of family and loved ones.”
Smith, a 13-year veteran of the Belleville police force, was stationed outside Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville, Ont., during a Yom Kippur service on Sept. 20. He was ambushed and gravely hurt when 29-year-old Sean Ward opened fire. Ward yelled, “you are going to die for the Jews”, presumably at Smith and his colleague Const. Michael McCurdy, who was at the scene in less than three minutes. The two officers put their lives on the line to protect approximately 25 congregants gathered inside the synagogue , none of whom were hurt as the shooting ensued.
Smith sustained critical injuries after he was shot in the head and body. He has been in the hospital since then undergoing multiple surgeries until his release Thursday. Ward sustained injuries and succumbed to them at the hospital a day after the shooting. McCurdy was not injured during the shooting.
Fundraising campaigns set up by the Canadian Jewish community was launched for Smith and McCurdy.
“Jeff, we wish you strength, healing and peace as you begin this next stage of your recovery. We hope you and your family can take some comfort in knowing that thousands of Canadians continue to stand beside you,” wrote campaign organizer Derek Kreindler on Thursday. As of Friday morning, the campaign had raised $969,110.
In a separate campaign for McCurdy, the Jewish community lauded the officer’s actions as he “prevented a deliberate, hate-motivated attack on the city’s Jewish community from becoming a mass-casualty event.” The campaign has, as of Friday morning, raised $58,400.
— With files from Courtney Greenberg
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