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Hundreds Gather To Welcome Home Delaware County Officer Shot Seven Times

FOLCROFT, Pa. (CBS) -- A Delaware County police officer who was shot seven times while responding to a call in Folcroft was released from the hospital Monday afternoon and was given a hero's welcome at the firehouse in his hometown.

There was a huge round of applause as the motorcade approached the firehouse, and an even bigger roar as Officer Chris Dorman, wearing an American flag hat and T-shirt, took his place at the podium to cheers of 'thank you' and 'we love you, Chris.'

Just days after the 25-year-old was shot seven times -- including in the face -- while responding to a call for an alleged drug crime, Dorman told the crowd he just wants to get back to work.

GALLERY: Folcroft Officer Chris Dorman Gets Hero's Welcome Home Days After Being Shot 7 Times

"I'd like to say thank you to everybody for being there for me and my family, and my fellow brothers in blue through this, and everybody's support means a lot," Dorman said. "I appreciate it."

Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett was among the well-wishers. Hartnett is one of the very few who knows all too well the trauma Dorman has gone through. Harnett was shot three times in an ambush attack in January in West Philadelphia.

Dorman's parents say their son is a fighter and a survivor, and he'll likely find a way to turn this into a positive.

"In my mind, heart and soul, I know my son. He did what he did to protect innocent people," said his father, George Dorman. "That's Christopher...To say he took it like a warrior, he did. He didn't back down from the guy. His concern was the guy getting away and doing harm to other people."

"I'm thankful to God. I'm thankful to all the people that offered prayers. I'm thankful that he had that vest on," said his mother , Jeanne Dorman. "It's a miracle. It's an absolute miracle. I'm telling you."

Dante Brooks Island is charged with the shooting.

Officer Dorman is expected to make a full recovery.

Greg Argos contributed to this report.

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