Police officer injured in Edmonton attack thankful for support

The Edmonton police officer who was thrown into the air by a speeding vehicle and then stabbed in an attack that gripped the city is thanking Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians for their support during his recovery.

"I have been very moved by your encouragement," Const. Mike Chernykwrote in an open letter posted on the Edmonton Police Service's website Nov. 24.

"The last eight weeks have finally returned to normal for me. I cannot believe the outpouring of support I've received."

• Man charged with 5 counts of attempted murder for Edmonton attacks

The 48-year-old officer was directingtraffic outside at an Edmonton Eskimos game at Commonwealth Stadium on Sept 30 when a white Chevrolet Malibu drove through a barrier and into Chernyk. He was airborne several metres and landed on the pavement. The man behind the wheel then got out of the vehicle and started stabbinghim.

Chernyk fought back andthe man fled on foot. Police say helaterran down four pedestrians with a U-Haul van on Jasper Avenue.

Abdulahi Hasan Sharif faces multiple charges in relation to the attacks, including five charges of attempted murder.

Return to duty

Before the puck dropped atthe Edmonton Oilers home opener against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 3, the home team honouredChernykin a special ceremony.

• Oilers honour victims of Edmonton truck attack before home opener against Flames

Cherynk had recovered from his injuries enough to make an appearance on the ice pre-game.

Two weeks later, on Oct. 19, the 10-year veteran of the forcewas back to work.

"This incident will not deter me from my police career.If anything, it has made me and my police family stronger, and seems to have united Canadians from coast to coast," Chernyk wrote in his open letter.

• 'We stand together': Hundreds show support for victims of Edmonton attacks

"I've receivedemailsfrom people I've never met, including other officers who said that what I did has made them more vigilant and want to train harder," he wrote.

"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."

Cherynkthanked people for their "kind words, well wishes and cards."

"It is this continued support that has fuelled me to heal and return to work," he wrote.

Chernyksaid would like to stay out of the spotlight, but that he remains dedicated to policing the city.