SCRANTON, Pa. — Scranton Det. Kyle Gilmartin is still in critical condition at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, and it's not just prayers going out to the family. Some businesses are using food as a way to say thanks.
Scranton police announced Friday afternoon that Det. Gilmartin was shot in the line of duty early Thursday morning in the city's west side.
The shock of what happened has rippled through the community as people try to figure out how to return the favor of service.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to this family. We can express how much we're grateful for everything, all of the policemen and women do every day of their lives. And we're just praying for a full recovery," said Lori Macciocco from Villa Maria restaurant.
Since the shooting, many residents and businesses have dropped off food at the Scranton Police Department.
Villa Maria delivered lunch and will host a pasta lunch at the restaurant on Washburn Street on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
During a news conference this afternoon, Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll said the gestures have not gone unnoticed.
"We are extremely grateful for the community support that we received here at the Scranton Police Department. And we thank you," Chief Carroll said.
"Food is comfort, and if we could provide that—we're not wealthy, but we're wealthy in our hearts—and we'd love to give back to those who give," Macciocco said.
The community support stretches beyond Scranton's borders.
Pandarella's Breakfast & Lunch in Dunmore is hosting a "pancakes for police" special. Now through Sunday, the profits from any order of pancakes, eat-in or takeout, will go directly to Det. Gilmartin and his family.
"We felt it was very important to give back to the Scranton Police Department because they do so much for our small-knit community that anything that we could do, any little thing, we felt it was important," Megan Meredick said.
It didn't take long for people to hear about the special before the orders started coming in.
"Word is spreading fast, which is great. That's what we would like. The more we can give, the better," Merrick said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Det. Gilmartin's family.