Life has “finally returned to normal” for Const. Mike Chernyk, the Edmonton police officer who was rammed by a speeding car and stabbed while on duty outside Commonwealth Stadium in late September.
The 11-year veteran published a statement on the Edmonton Police Service’s website Friday to thank people from coast to coast for their support following the Edmonton attacks on Sept. 30.
“I have been very moved by your encouragement, and it is important to me to personally thank Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians for their kind words, well wishes and cards,” Chernyk said.
He added he’s received well wishes and cards from students, police officers and others from across the country.
“It is this continued support that has fuelled me to heal and return to work.”
READ MORE: Edmonton police chief pens letter of reassurance and thanks to citizens in newspaper
Chernyk returned to work less than three weeks after the attacks, which injured four other people. Chernyk was hailed a hero for his efforts during the attacks, as he was able to fend off his assailant while preventing the man from taking his service weapon.
The Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Eskimos paid tribute to Chernyk following the attacks, for which he also felt grateful.
Watch below: Oilers salute “Edmonton’s hero” at home opener
Chernyk said the incident will not deter him from his career as a police officer.
“If anything, it has made me and my police family stronger, and seems to have united Canadians from coast to coast,” he wrote. “I’ve received emails from people I’ve never met, including other officers who said that what I did has made them more vigilant and want to train harder.
“We get into policing because we want to help people and do the right thing for the right reasons, so if what happened to me inspires people and brings them together, then I really can’t ask for more than that.”
Chernyk said he doesn’t wish to stay in the spotlight, but wanted to make sure everyone knew how thankful he is.
“I wanted to acknowledge your kindness, and to assure my community I will continue to be ‘dedicated to protect and proud to serve’ as a member of the Edmonton Police Service.”
The man charged with five counts of attempted murder in the attacks, Abdulahi Sharif, has been ordered to undergo two different psychiatric assessments. Sharif is also charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, one count of criminal flight causing bodily harm and one count of possession of a weapon.
While police initially said they were investigating the attacks as “acts of terrorism,” terrorism charges have not been laid.
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