LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police Officer Nick Wilt and the first responders of the Old National Bank shooting were honored on Thursday at two different events.
The city that named him their "hometown hero," kicked off the Gaslight Festival weekend with Officer Nick Wilt leading the charge.
Officer Wilt was the Grand Marshall of the parade, with a police escort and his family by his side.
Ofc. Nick Wilt waves to parade-goers at the Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival Parade.
A "Wilt's Warriors" sign hung in the front windshield with Officer Wilt seated in the back seat, waving to parade-goers. Some even gave him a standing ovation.
It has been five months since the shooting at Old National Bank in downtown Louisville. Wilt, a rookie officer, was one of the first police officers who rushed toward the bank, and was shot in the head.
Many people watching the parade described Wilt just being there on Thursday as a miracle.
"So excited to hear that he was gonna be in the parade and then to watch all of this, I just hope for a speedy recovery for him and I'm so glad they could come out and be with us today and represent J-town, it was wonderful," Rachel Simpson said.
Wilt was released from Frazier Rehab at the end of July, and has been home ever since, continuing his hard work in outpatient therapy.
Also on Thursday, the first responders of the Old National Bank shooting were recognized and honored at the Louisville Metro Council meeting for their bravery and dedication to their community.
Old National Bank First Responders Recognized at Metro Council on Thursday Sept. 14.
"Their commitment to our safety and the betterment of our society deserves the utmost respect by recognizing their sacrifices but reinforce the vital role that they place in preserving peace and security in our community," Markus Winkler, Metro Council president said.
Many Louisvillians remember exactly what they did on the morning of the Old National Bank shooting.
"I was just coming back from Indiana from 64, to see commotion going on and didn't know what was going on," Simpson said.
Five people were killed inside the bank that day. Within minutes, law enforcement flooded Market Street and the surrounding area. If not for the men and woman who first responded that day, many feel it could have had been worse. That is why all first responders that took the call that day were recognized by Metro Council.
"We sleep well at night because there are people like you all who answer the phone when all hell breaks loose," Anthony Piagentini, Metro Council member said.
"Everybody appreciates the sacrifice he (Ofc. Wilt) made," Simpson said.
Heroes all across the city honored and celebrated.
More Coverage on Officer Nick Wilt:
- LMPD officer Nick Wilt's family says he's been 'doing well' since going home 2 weeks ago
- 'Overwhelming' | Officer Nick Wilt's family receives $170,000 from 'Wilt Week' donations
- 'I hope it gives him hope' | Community rallies behind officer Nick Wilt as he heads home from the hospital
- LMPD Officer Nickolas Wilt released from Louisville hospital months after being shot in head
- 'He didn't back down' | Family of Louisville police officer Nick Wilt optimistic about his future
- Louisville Police Foundation says LMPD officer Nick Wilt showing 'remarkable improvement' in rehab
- LMPD Officer Nick Wilt was 'outgunned' when he went up against bank mass shooter
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