Fundraiser held for Philadelphia officer who survived ambush

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It was a hero's welcome Thursday night at Philadelphia Fraternal of Police headquarters for Officer Jesse Hartnett.

The officer smiled and shook hands with some of the hundreds of people who had gathered to celebrate his heroism and to raise money for him and his family.

"He's very overwhelmed at the support, not only from officers, but people that are dropping checks off by the hundreds, just because they want to, businesses, local businesses, community leaders and he just wants to express his thanks to everyone," FOP President John McNesby said.

A police surveillance camera captured the 10 seconds of terror of how he was shockingly ambushed while on patrol in West Philadelphia by a man claiming allegiance to ISIS.

Incredibly, Hartnett who was shot three times in the left arm managed to get out of his patrol car and fire back wounding his attacker.

"Absolute hero, a warrior. It shows the training that he received kicked in. He had a guardian angel on him that day," McNesby said.

A number of officers from New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey were also there to show their support:

"Just showing our support for another brother in blue, to see his face, and just to have a great time with him, just to show that we're here for him," NYPD Officer Dave Sherogen said.

A silent auction was being held of various collectible items including boxing glove signed by Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali and a world champion boxing belt signed by Sugar Ray Leonard.

"Thank you for all you do, you're out there defending our lives, defending your own life and for all your families in Philadelphia, we really appreciate what you do," Samantha Damore of Northeast Philadelphia said.

The event was expected to raise several thousand dollars for Hartnett in his family.