A Pennsylvania state trooper who survived a deadly ambush outside his Poconos-area barracks witnessed President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address Tuesday.
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) invited Trooper Alex Douglass to be his guest at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. Tuesday night. [[364646731, C]]
"His bravery is an inspiration," said the first-term senator. "Trooper Douglass epitomizes the courage and self-sacrifice our law enforcement officers show every day, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect us."
Douglass called Toomey's invite to U.S. Capitol "an honor."
"It is a one in a lifetime opportunity," said Douglass. "This is just another fine example of the community coming together after the tragic Blooming Grove incident. I feel privileged to represent the Pennsylvania State Police and all other law enforcement agencies in the country."
A sniper ambushed Douglass, a 10-year veteran of Pennsylvania State Police, and Cpl. Bryon Dickson outside the Blooming Grove barracks in September 2014. Dickson died, while Douglass suffered serious injuries that have required surgery including a hip replacement.
Eric Frein, who was captured in an abandoned airport hangar after a seven-week manhunt in the Poconos, is in Pike County Prison awaiting trial in connection with the shooting. [[281109012, C]]
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Douglass hasn't let his injuries hold him back, having completed the New York City Marathon this past fall. He continues physical therapy as he works toward returning to active duty.
