Butler City Police Officer Michael Sulerud is greeted by his fellow officers after being released from the hospital Wednesday. Sulerud was stabbed multiple times while responding to an incident on Aug. 24.

CRANBERRY TWP — Law enforcement from around Butler County on Wednesday welcomed home Butler City Police Officer Michael Sulerud, who was critically stabbed Aug. 24 by a man who was acting erratically.

“We're welcoming back Mike Sulerud,” said Butler City Police Chief Robert O'Neill. “We're very excited.”

Sulerud was released Wednesday from UPMC Presbyterian hospital. He had been stabbed multiple times before shooting and killing his assailant.

More than 40 people, including officers from multiple police departments and other agencies, formed a line early Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church on Rochester Road.

Sulerud traveled through the lineup of cruisers, many with lights flashing. A round of applause continued, and about halfway through the line, the vehicle stopped.Sulerud exited, stood and walked toward a group of men and women wearing a familiar patch.“Mike is a warrior,” O'Neill said.Starting with a group from the city department, Sulerud shook hands and embraced many of those in attendance, which included other departments and agencies.

Additional departments included those from Adams, Buffalo, Butler and Cranberry townships; Saxonburg, Zelienople and Mars boroughs; and county agencies, such as the Butler County Sheriff's Office and Butler County Emergency Services Unit.“We're more than just friends,” O'Neill said. “We're all brothers and sisters. We all want to make sure we get home at night.”After meeting his fellow officers, Sulerud re-entered his vehicle, driven by his wife, and all eyes watched them as they left the parking lot.O'Neill had released a statement earlier in the day with thanks from the family for the hospital staff and the supportive community.“The family thanks the community for all the support they received and ask that people continue to respect their privacy as Officer Sulerud continues to heal,” the statement read.

The matter of the shooting, which resulted in the death of John Ebberts, 35, of Butler, remains under investigation by state police.On Wednesday, O'Neill said he would continue to let state police handle updates. The state police and Butler Township also assisted the city department in responding to calls while their entire department attended the welcoming.Any cards or letters of support can be received by the Butler City Police Department in care of Officer Sulerud to this address: 200 W. New Castle Road, Butler, PA 16001.“The community has really rallied behind Mike,” O'Neill said.

More than 40 people, including officers from multiple police departments, formed a line to greet Butler City Police Officer Michael Sulerud on Wednesday. Sulerud was released Wednesday from the hospital. He had been stabbed multiple times before shooting and killing his assailant.Seb Foltz/ Butler Eagle