Chicago Police Officer Nelson Crespo makes first public appearance since surviving Swedish Hospital shooting

A Chicago police officer who survived a shooting at Swedish Hospital earlier this year made his first public appearance on Friday evening at a fundraiser to support his recovery.

Hundreds of people gathered at Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville to support Officer Nelson Crespo, giving him a hero's welcome.

Crespo, who has been left paralyzed from the shoulders down, thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers. 

"Celebrate this as a miracle. Witness in front of you, there's no doubt that I hear your prayers and they help me in my recovery. Thank you everybody," Crespo said.

The fundraiser included a bagpipe performance by the Emerald Society, a band of Irish American police officers dedicated to honoring wounded and fallen officers.

Crespo, a White Sox fan, also received a surprise from his favorite player, Hall of Famer Harold Baines, who presented him with a team jersey.

On April 25, Crespo was with his partner, Officer John Bartholomew, were escorting a man who'd been arrested for armed robbery to Swedish Hospital. Inside the hospital, prosecutors say officers unlocked 26-year-old Alphanso Talley's handcuffs for a CT scan, when he pulled out a gun from under a blanket and shot both officers. Talley was arrested shortly after.

Bartholomew died, but Crespo survived and has been in rehabilitation ever since. 

"He's a strong guy, he's a fighter," said Crespo's wife, Jimena.

Crespo's wife said his recovery remains a long one, requiring more therapy and surgeries. There's not timeline for him to return home, but she said they're going through the journey together.

"He tells me that I am much of the reason of why he's alive, but to me, he's the reason I'm still fighting for him too," she said.

She said the presence of so many people at the fundraiser and the support beyond has been overwhelming.

"I'm really amazed by the turnout, and to know that there's so many people in Chicago, not only friends and family that are backing us up and are supporting us, I'm very grateful for all of you," she said.

Proceeds from Friday night's fundraiser will go to cover the costs of Crespo's recovery.