By Tommy Rowan
The Philadelphia Inquirer
PHILADELPHIA — Officer Jesse Hartnett came prepared to Citizens Bank Park on Monday afternoon with a curveball up his sling.
After tossing the first pitch at the Phillies’ home opener against the San Diego Padres, Hartnett, who was ambushed and shot in January in his patrol car but managed to shoot his ISIS-supporting attacker, was joined on the field by his girlfriend, Lily Abdullina.
And then he dropped to one knee, and pulled a ring out of his sling.
Officer Jesse Hartnett threw out today’s Ceremonial First Pitch, then got engaged! ⚾️?? pic.twitter.com/LiGyzVMm7L
— Phillies (@Phillies) April 11, 2016
For the record: She said yes.
The 34-year-old officer was shot three times at close range Jan. 7 in West Philadelphia by a man who strode up to Hartnett, who was sitting alone in his cruiser. Hartnett managed to radio for help and even chase down his fleeing attacker, using his uninjured arm to shoot the assailant in the buttocks.
Edward Archer, 30, of Yeadon, who said he did it for ISIS, is awaiting trial on charges of attempted murder and related offenses.
In a statement Monday, Police Department spokeswoman Tanya Little said: “We are glad he is continuing to heal. And applaud his commitment to live every day as fully as possible. Congratulations.”
John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said he was happy for Hartnett. “He’s been through a lot this year. He’s a true hero. And now, not only is he a hero to the department and the community, he’s also a hero to his fiancee.”
OFFICER HARTNETT THROWS OUT FIRST PHILLIES PITCH THEN PROPOSESA Philadelphia police officer who survived an ambush in his patrol car in January had a special role in the Phillies home opener.Jesse Hartnett was shot in his left arm, which was still in a sling, as he threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches Monday afternoon.Hartnett then kept the crowd on their feet when he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend LillyShe said yes, and sealed the deal with a kiss.
Posted by Police on Tuesday, April 12, 2016
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