MISSOULA — Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer is continuing to recover after being shot multiple times while on duty this March.
He was in Missoula on Thursday for a MHP awards ceremony and was able to stand and walk with the help of a cane. He was also able to say a few words and posed with his wife for pictures.
The ceremony honored law enforcement officers who responded to the shooting on March 15, and who have assisted Palmer since that time. MHP Colonel Tom Butler said the night of the incident, doctors were worried about Palmer making it through the day.
“For me personally it’s wonderful. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with the neurologist at St. Pats the night this happened. To see him walking today is amazing all the way around," Butler said.
The MHP held a ceremony at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Wednesday to thank hospital staff members for their efforts after Palmer was shot.
Below is the text letter provided by Palmer's wife Lindsey:
Update for Trooper Palmer 11/20/19:
Season’s Greetings from the Palmer family to yours. May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and many fond memories. We have so many things to be grateful for this year, but the biggest blessing of all is that we are able to provide this update on Wade, and that he is still with us for this holiday season.
Wade is receiving wonderful care from the team at St. Patrick Hospital. He continues to make improvements weekly in therapy. Wade is able to say a few small words: yea, no, hi, why, mom and me. He is also working hard on being able to say Mia and CeCe. After six months it is so very nice to be able to hear his voice again.
He is also making improvements in walking. Wade recently got rid of his arm crutch in favor of a trekking pole. He still requires some minimal assistance to make sure he is steady on his feet. Wade’s right arm is slowly starting to move again. His right arm has been a challenge for him.
We recently returned from Colorado where we underwent a week-long evaluation at Craig Hospital. They had many suggestions that we will begin using immediately. One recommendation was a new communication app that he is really responding to. Wade and I were very impressed with what Craig had to offer. We plan to return as soon as possible for a more intensive program.
Wade continues to be in good spirits and enjoys being home with his family.
Thank you to all of you who have said prayers and sent well wishes. They mean so much to us.
Thank you,
Lindsey Palmer
