Medway Air Ambulance transported a critically injured Orlando police officer to Atlanta on Wednesday, June 27 so that he could receive specialized treatment. Officer Kevin Valencia was moved from Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he had been receiving treatment since being shot in the line of duty on June 11. The officer was shot in the head while attempting to rescue four children held hostage during an armed domestic dispute.

Following his injury, Officer Valencia had undergone emergency surgery at Orlando Regional Medical Center’s trauma center, where his condition had been listed as critical. Although still in a coma, doctors were seeing small improvements in Valencia’s condition as the officer was responding to some commands. He was able to squeeze hands and give a thumb’s up sign. After two weeks, Valencia’s condition became stable enough for transport to Atlanta’s Shepherd Center, one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the country treating spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.

Meghan Valencia was able to accompany her husband on the Medway flight to Atlanta. The couple have two small children, ages 5 and 8 months. Officers from the Atlanta Police Department met the flight on arrival and escorted the ground ambulance carrying Officer Valencia to the Shepherd Center.

“We were proud to transport this injured officer so that he could receive specialized treatment in Atlanta,” shares Mark Chapman, Program Director for Medway Air Ambulance. “We wish Officer Valencia the best as his recovery continues at Shepherd Center,” continues Chapman.

A GoFundMe account was set up to help Officer Valencia’s family with both short term and long-term expenses. Donations are tax deductible, as the account was set up by the Orlando Police Heroes Foundation, a charitable arm of the Fraternal Order of Police Orlando Lodge 25.

On July 23rd, WFTV 9 ABC in Orlando reported that Officer Valencia is responsive and moving to a new treatment facility.