A Suffolk County officer shot in the line of duty is back home.

Hundreds of officers, hospital staff, doctors, nurses, family and friends were present when Michael LaFauci was released from Stony Brook University Hospital

LaFauci is engaged and has a 1-year-old daughter.

News 12 spoke with the Suffolk Police Benevolent Association who's been in contact with LaFauci. They say his spirits are good, but like many officers, they want to see change come to the justice system, mainly stricter penalties for repeat offenders.

The suspect in this shooting, according to Suffolk police, had multiple run-ins with the law.

Last week, LaFauci was working with the anti-crime unit as part of a surveillance team outside a Coram home where a robbery suspect was supposed to be.

The suspect, identified by Suffolk police as 20-year-old Janel Funderburke, came out, saw officers and ran.

Detectives say LaFauci chased after Funderburke and that's when the Coram resident allegedly shot LaFauci.

Doctors say LaFauci has a long road of recovery ahead of him.

"Mike's right leg is still partially paralyzed," said Dr. James Vosswinkel, Stony Brook Hospital chief of trauma, emergency surgery and critical care. "We are hoping and praying that he makes a full recovery, but right now I cannot say with medical certainty he will."

Doctors credit lifesaving measures by first responders with the MedCat team for helping to save LaFauci's life.

"I just happened to be trained as a paramedic to respond to that scene to jump in the police car that was taken to the hospital and render aid until he got to the hospital," said Kevin Staubitz, detective and paramedic with the Suffolk County Police MedCat Team.

Funderburke was arrested shortly after the shooting and is being held without bail.