Erie Police Sgt. David Stucke is receiving further treatment in Pittsburgh, nearly one week after he was shot in the line of duty.

On Saturday, surrounded by members of law enforcement and first responders, Sgt. Stucke was discharged from UPMC Hamot.

Last Sunday morning, the 14-year veteran and father of four was shot in the leg while responding to a report of gunfire near East 22nd and Wallace Streets.

Sgt. Stucke attempted to apply a tourniquet to his own leg, before other officers helped get him to the hospital.

The violent incident is shining a light on the dangers law enforcement members face every day.

"We hold our loved ones tight at home because we don't always know if we are going to make it back to them," said Erie FOP President Sgt. Justin Stidham. "We choose to be here because it's a calling."

Over the past week, members of the community have donated blood to help replenish the supplies used on Sgt. Stucke.

"It's very important," said Sgt. Stucke's wife Diana Stucke. "I saw how much blood they used for him in the ER and how much they used in the OR and this needs to be changed, because what if they didn't have enough blood for him? That's what saved his life."

The community support is helping Sgt. Stucke on his road to recovery.

"I've been blown away by the support of everybody," said Diana Stucke. "The community, the staff at UPMC Hamot, EPD and their spouses, my friends and family. Thank you for everything."

 
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