ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Albany police officer shot during a traffic stop on April 17 was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon. Officer Jonathan Damphier was greeted by what can be described as a small army of fellow officers upon his release.  

Damphier was wheeled out of the facility and gave a thumbs up to a camera. His release comes just a day after NEWS10 was informed the officer was facing a long road to recovery from his leg injuries.

According to a GoFundMe set up to support the officer and his family, doctors believe he will need months of physical therapy before he can return to work. Damphier has been a police officer in Albany for three years and also serves as a military police officer in the Army Reserve.

Damphier was shot near North Main and Western Avenues in Albany while trying to stop a speeding car. The suspect, Ameil Layani, 28, of Albany, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Police said a preliminary investigation shows the officers followed proper protocol. Police and the New York State Attorney General’s Office are still investigating the shooting.