SCRANTON -- More than nine weeks after he was shot outside the Blooming Grove state police barracks in Pike County, we're learning more about Trooper Alex Douglass' recovery from those close to him.
Douglass is still recovering after he was badly hurt when Eric Frein allegedly shot him and Corporal Bryon Dickson at the barracks in Pike County in September.
Among those in attendance at the fundraiser at Villa Maria Restaurant in west Scranton was the commander of the Blooming Grove barracks.
"I was with him today in New York City. He sends his regrets. He's working really hard on his recovery. He has a long road, but he's taking it one step at a time and he has the right attitude and our thoughts and prayers go out to him," Lt. Chris Paris said.
Last week, Trooper Douglass was transferred from Allied Services Rehab Hospital in Scranton to a hospital in New York City. Douglass already has undergone six surgeries and his aunt says he will likely have full hip replacement surgery and infection control surgery soon as well.
"He's going to have physical therapy and I know personally he is looking forward to going back to work and saving lives as a state trooper," said Sister Angela Miller, Douglass' aunt.
As he continues to recover, those at the fundraiser said every little bit helps when it comes the medical costs and the financial freedom to have his family by his side.
"Even though the suspect has been captured and all that, it's still a weight on his family from what went on and he needs the moral support of his family with him during this time," said event organizer Jennifer Herman.
"Nobody understands what a trooper is, but it's a family that will stand by you until death and they will help with all that they can,"said Johanna Gentile, who is a parent of a state trooper.
Lieutenant Paris said the family will stick together and get past what has been a difficult time.
"I think this is a process. Obviously we'll never be the same, so it's all about moving forward together and finding what the new normal is."
Organizers said around $5,000 was raised at the event.