Danny Golden, Chicago police officer paralyzed in Beverly shooting, released from hospital
Officer Golden has served with Chicago Police Department for six years
CHICAGO (WLS) -- An off-duty Chicago police officer shot and paralyzed while trying to break up a fight in Beverly early Saturday morning was released from the hospital Friday afternoon.
Danny Golden, 31, was released from Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn about 2 p.m. and is headed to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
He was greeted by applause and salutes from his fellow officers. The six-year CPD veteran, who also served in the Army, was released six days after being shot in the back and being paralyzed from the waist down.
"Thank you. Our family is humbled by the outpouring of support and love for him. He has an unbelievable fiancée Casey. He has a great family, friendship, friends from the south side, friends from all over the country," said his father Patrick Golden after his release.
WATCH: Ofc. Golden's father speaks after son released from hospital
Golden was off-duty Saturday when he stepped in to stop a fight between a group of men at Sean's Rhino Bar in Beverly.
Prosecutors said 19 shell casings were recovered from the scene. Golden was shot in the back while a second man was shot in the leg.
"When I saw him the other morning, I thought he was going to die in front of me. He was going into shock. Christ Hospital brought him back. They saved him," Patrick Golden said.
His family said despite his condition, he does not regret intervening in the dispute.
RELATED: 3 charged in Beverly shooting that paralyzed off-duty CPD officer
Three men have been charged and are being held without bond as they face assault and attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting, which allows his loved ones to focus on Golden's recovery.
Hundreds of people, including his family, attended a prayer service at St. Rita Thursday night.
Golden watched the service remotely and recorded a message for those who attended.
"I'm working hard to get back out there," he said in the video. "Thanks for everything. To my family and friends, thanks for everything."
Briefly wheeled out of the hospital to greet well-wishers on Tuesday, Golden appeared in good spirits, even as a bullet remains lodged between his lungs.
While many have reached out in support, there's no shortage of other kindness. The community rallied to raise more than $1 million through a GoFundMe for his recovery.
Star NFL quarterback Tom Brady even chimed in with a few words of support for the officer.
"What's up Danny...so sorry to hear about what you're going through and just know thinking about you....appreciate all your hard work and your commitment to service," Brady said in a video.
Golden was often seen in the community playing basketball or jumping rope with kids.
"I just want everyone to know he's a hero," his fiancée said.
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
