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.

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