LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — It's been an emotional few days for Old Forge Police Chief Jason Dubernas after his friend and fellow officer, Scranton police detective Kyle Gilmartin, was shot early Thursday morning.
"I took it to heart. I know Kyle a while, I was actually his FTO when he got hired back here, when he first got out of the Academy, till the time he left here," said Dubernas.
Gilmartin is a nine year veteran of the Scranton police department, but before he was involved with the city's major crimes unit and auto theft task force, he was just learning the ropes as a part-time officer in Old Forge.
Dubernas says Gilmartin was eager to help and learn.
"He was unique, he was very proactive always," said Dubernas. "Learning new tricks of the trade for this job."
Since the shooting, thousands of dollars have been raised to help with the wounded detective's recovery.
A gesture Dubernas says speaks volumes about the area.
"It's not just police departments helping police departments, It's the communities," said Dubernas. "Communities are having all kind of fundraisers to support him and his family. This incident occurs and it just brings the communities closer."
Although the two no longer protect and serve the same community, Dubernas knows Gilmartin's recovery is on the minds of many in law enforcement.
"He works for the city of Scranton but where did he start, he started here in old Forge. He worked in Luzerne County," said Dubernas. "He has ties to the entire Northeast PA, plus the job he did, he has ties throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania and beyond."
For a list of fundraisers supporting the detective click here.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help Det. Gilmartin's family.