Philadelphia police officer Hector Rodriguez left Penn Presbyterian Medical Center at about 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, two weeks after he survived 12 gunshot wounds in an ambush that killed his partner, according to NBC10 Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Source: NBC10 Philadelphia

More than 100 police officers and medical personnel lined up outside the hospital to salute Rodriguez, 6abc and FOX 29 reported. Hospital workers joined the applause as an ambulance carried him away, and police officials told 6abc his condition had improved dramatically.

Rodriguez, 33, is a nine-year member of the force and a father of five, the Inquirer reported. He was heading home to his wife and children. First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford told NBC10: "Great sadness brought us here, but you see great joy today." Stanford told the Inquirer that Rodriguez now faces further rehabilitation: "It's going to be a long road for him," he said, pledging the department's full backing.

Rodriguez and Officer Shane Seiber had gone to North 52nd Street just after midnight on October 10 to check on a report of an armed man, and gunfire was directed at them when they arrived, FOX 29 reported. Seiber, 40, was struck three times and did not survive; he was promoted to sergeant after his death and was buried on Tuesday. The Inquirer reported Rodriguez was briefly let out of the hospital so he could attend the service.

The accused shooter, Eric Lewis, 35, faces charges including homicide of a law enforcement officer in connection with Seiber's death and attempted homicide counts, NBC10 reported. The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the courts.