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MHP thanks public for continued support after Evaro trooper shooting

Posted at 6:19 PM, Mar 25, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-25 20:19:20-04

MISSOULA – Montana Highway Patrol leaders are thanking the public for the continued outpouring of support for Trooper Wade Palmer and his family.

At the MHP headquarters in Helena, there are several boxes of cards, letters and packages people have mailed in for the family, in the aftermath of the trooper being shot at Evaro.

MHP leaders have said while his condition remains critical, they are optimistic that he will continue to improve.

But right now, they say the support from the public means a lot.

”The support we’ve gotten has been overwhelming to everybody involved in this tragic event. I know I spent the last week in Utah with Trooper Palmer’s wife and I know she’s feeling the same thing,” said MHP Lt. Col.Jason Hildenstab. “It’s just astounding how much the community has risen up for this tragedy, for our troop and the other victims involved as well.”

MHP is also encouraging people to wear green in honor of Trooper Palmer, through the #backtheblue, #wearthegreen hashtag campaigns for social media posts. Ribbons are available at MHP detachments.

John Barnes, the spokesperson for Montana Department of Justice, says Palmer remains in a medically-induced coma in Salt Lake City Monday night.

RELATED: Program helps law enforcement in wake of Evaro trooper shooting