Penn officer shot in line of duty guest of honor at FOP fundraiser

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- University of Pennsylvania Officer Eddie Miller was the guest of the Fraternal Order of Police at its 4th annual Eagles Monday Night Football party.

Miller is recovering from two gunshots suffered during a chaotic rampage last Friday in West Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Police Sergeant Sylvia Young, who was shot six times, is still at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and is expected to be released soon.

25-year-old Sara Salih, the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, was shot seven times by the gunman while in her vehicle.

1 of 21

Two police officers were shot in West Philadelphia.

Some 1,500 FOP members and the public gathered for the tailgate party. The fundraiser was donating proceeds to both Miller and Young.

The guest of honor, Officer Miller, was smiling, joking and clearly counting his blessings.

"I'm doing fine. Presbyterian Hospital took good care of me," Miller said.

Officer Miller was in good spirits as he spoke to reporters Monday for the first time since being wounded in a shootout Friday night in West Philadelphia.

"It's a night I'd like to forget, but it worked out to our advantage," Miller said.

Miller arrived at the FOP fundraiser on crutches. He took bullets to his ankle, hip and elbow, but was able to joke about surveillance video that shows the moment he was hit.

"Fat guy rolling around. I guess I'm lucky," Miller said.

Miller was injured while responding to Philadelphia Police Sgt. Young's calls for help.

"This is something you don't expect to run into, but hope to prepare for. I hope I lived up to standards of both Philadelphia and Penn," Miller said.

Miller worked for the Philadelphia Police Department for 33 years before moving to Penn Police.

Penn Police Superintendent Maureen Rush who hired him says he made has the entire department proud.

"He wanted to protect people and he did a darn good job doing that. Thank God he's here to celebrate that. And we're here to celebrate him tonight," Rush said.

Miller was joined by his wife and two children

Miller says protecting the public is in his blood and despite this, he plans to return to the streets once he fully recovers.