Dozens gather for 'clap out' as Atlantic City police SWAT officer released from the hospital
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Dozens of people were on hand to cheer for an Atlantic City police officer injured in a shooting earlier this month as he was discharged from the hospital.
SWAT Sgt. Christian Ivanov was released from AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center on Thursday, where a large crowd of first responders, friends and family gathered outside for a clap-out as he was escorted to an ambulance that carried him home.
Ivanov was shot on June 2 while members of the SWAT team were serving a warrant at a home in Atlantic City.
According to the New Jersey Attorney General's office, a man inside the home fired shots at officers, injuring two.
A third officer, who was not struck, returned fire and killed 52-year-old Donald Gardner, according to state authorities.
Doctors said Ivanov sustained a gunshot wound to the groin and lost a significant amount of blood.
"The amount of blood you lose from an injury like that is very significant. If his teammates, his fellow officers, didn't have the forethought to apply pressure the way that they did before getting him here, I don't think he would have even made it to us," said Dr. Kelly Willman, AtlantiCare's trauma medical director.
Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos credited first responders and medical staff with saving Ivanov's life.
"I've really got to thank the men and women of the Atlantic City Police Department, the SWAT team who got him here, who provided immediate medical aid and rushed him to the hospital. And, of course, the phenomenal staff here at the hospital, at AtlanticCare. I mean, everyone saved his life," Sarkos said.
Ivanov is expected to continue his recovery at a rehabilitation facility.
His mother said the day was emotional and that she is helping care for his three children while he recovers.
The shooting remains under investigation by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
