AG Tim Fox Says MHP Trooper Wade Palmer Is Coming Home Wednesday
It truly is a miracle and we are so pleased to announce that Montana Highway Patrol trooper Wade Palmer is coming back home to Montana on Wednesday. Attorney General Tim Fox says it is time to go pick Palmer up.
“Myself, Colonel Tom Butler of the Highway Patrol, and Captain Jim Kitchen are flying down, courtesy of Neptune Aviation, we sure appreciate them, but we are going to pick up Wade and we are going to bring him home,” said Fox.
Fox thanked Montanans for being so thoughtful and supportive toward trooper Palmer and all the victims that were involved in the shooting that night.
“I am sure that Lindsey and Wade would tell you that he would not have recovered as quickly, if at all, if it were not for the love and support from so many people,” said Fox. “I want to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has pitched in in some way.”
According to Fox, the law enforcement and first responder community in Salt Lake City, Utah were wonderful during this difficult time.
“When I got there the day Wade got there, there were countless first responders there at the hospital showing support for Wade and his family,” said Fox. “That has continued on. They have taken the entire family under their wing, including Casey Blanchard and his wife Leah, and extended all sorts of courtesies to everyone. They found lodging, helped with food, provided basic necessities, watched the kids, the list goes on and on.”
Fox says several dedicated Montana healthcare individuals will be working with Palmer when he comes home. Fox acknowledged that Palmer is still going to have a long road of recovery, but he is hopeful that Montanans will continue to support Palmer and everyone else that was victimized. While the family is happy to share this news with the public, they also respectfully request privacy as they return and adjust to life back at home.
Here is a statement KGVO received from the Montana Department of Justice:
At 11:30am on Wednesday, there will be a brief news conference at the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City with Wade’s lead physician, Lindsey Palmer, Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler, Attorney General Tim Fox, and others. The news conference will be live-streamed on the Highway Patrol’s Facebook page.
Palmer will be flown to Missoula and is anticipated to arrive at Northstar Jet at approximately 1:30pm. After he arrives in Montana, a motorcade will escort him to his home (the procession route in Missoula will be released later today).