Baltimore police Sgt. Keith Mcneill, who continues to recover after being shot last year, made a rare public appearance this month when he attended a promotion ceremony in East Baltimore.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts said Mcneill surprised many officers when he walked on stage and "pinned" Steve Ward as he was being promoted from captain to major. Ward is now the commanding officer of police's Eastern District, replacing Maj. Stanley Brandford who was transferred back to overseeing the Homicide Detective Unit.
Mcneill, who was assisted by a cane, received loud applause from officers in attendance. Mcneill worked out of the Eastern District.
He was shot nine times and critically wounded outside an auto repair shop in East Baltimore while he was off duty on March 14, 2014. Batts has said his recovery continues to be "long" but said his appearance at the event also showed how far he has progressed.
"He's very lucky to be here," Batts said. "God is with him."
Gregg Thomas faces first-degree murder, assault and gun charges in the shooting and will be in state court in April. He also faces federal drug and weapons charges.
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