Birmingham Cop Recovering From Gunshot Wounds On His Birthday

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Birmingham police officer is spending his birthday in the hospital, recovering from gunshot wounds he sustained while on duty Wednesday night. Officer Cullen Stafford turned 36 years old Thursday, and is at UAB Hospital in stable condition after being shot three times by a robbery suspect.

Related Story: Two Officers Injured, Suspect Dead In Birmingham Shooting

Stafford was taken to the hospital by a fellow officer Wednesday evening, and was in surgery within the hour, according to reports. Stafford emerged from surgery in stable condition, but will celebrate his birthday in a hospital bed as he recovers.

"Last night was a challenging night for our city and the Birmingham Police Department, it shows the responsiveness dedication and professionalism of our police officers," the BPD said in a statement Thursday. "Officer Stafford is in recovery and is expected to recover from his injuries."

Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin asked that the citizens of Birmingham join him in wishing Stafford a happy birthday.

"Today is Officer Stafford’s 36th birthday," Woodfin said via social media. "It is also his eight-year anniversary of joining the Birmingham Police Department. I would like to ask all of our residents to join me in wishing Officer Stafford a happy birthday."

Woodfin said Wednesday night after the shooting, "We often talk about how our officers put their lives on the line every day for our safety. Tonight is proof of the courage, valor and strength it takes to wear that badge. Officer Stafford, your city stands with you."

The suspect in Stafford's shooting was shot and killed by another Birmingham police officer. He has not been identified as of Thursday morning.