New jersey state police detective shot on duty proposes to his girlfriend after being released from hospital

Pittsgrove Township, NJ-New Jersey State Police Detective Richard Hershey was shot last month proposes to his girlfriend when he was released from the hospital.

Detective Hershey responded to a call for a home invasion at a trailer packer in Pittsgrove Township on April 25.

According to police, a woman had been beaten and robbed by a group of women during the robbery, and the trooper was interviewing witnesses. While Hershey was outside, in plainclothes and in an unmarked vehicle, police say five vehicles approached the scene.

Hershey identified himself as a law enforcement officer and ordered the off cup ants of the vehicle to leave. As one vehicle drove off, one of the occupants shot Detective Hershey in the leg.

When Hershey was released from the hospital, he proposed to his girlfriend, Nikki Grazioli.

"He gave me a run for my money and brought out emotions I never knew were even possible. He has tested everything I am and brought out all and any strength I had stored up for the past 27 years. I can tell you that tears don’t run dry, eating can be overrated and my Trooper has brought braveness to a whole new level.We have both been overwhelmed and humbled with all the inboxes, texts and calls. We will never be able to tell you all enough how much we appreciate all the support and constant positive thoughts day in and day out. COVID halted all visitation and time has dragged making it seem nearly impossible to reach discharge. Today was the day!To family, friends, other police departments, New Jersey State Police and the nurses and doctors at Cooper...THANK YOU for today and the last 11 days.We now know that nightmares sometimes become reality and that time will be on our side for all sorts of healing coming this way. Kiss and hug everyone you know just a little tighter, I sure know I will.Let’s just say, this was one hell of a homecoming! I got to kiss and hug him for the first time in 11 days and ended up walking out with a fiancé!  He is home. He is alive. He is recovering. WE ARE ENGAGED! I love you Ric Larry, couldn’t be more happy to have you home, safe and officially ALL MINE," Nikki wrote on Facebook.