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OAK CREEK - Lieutenant Brian Murphy was critically wounded during the shooting rampage that killed six people last month.

On Sunday, he made an appearance at a fundraiser to benefit the victims.

This is the first time Murphy has appeared publicly since he was shot in the line of duty. A cast was visible in his hand and his family was at his side.

Murphy arrived to a hero's welcome at the fundraiser in the bowling alley parking lot across the street from the Sikh temple in Oak Creek. Despite a wound to his throat, the lieutenant wanted to give a public thank you.

"I just want to let everyone know how appreciative I am, my family is for your kindness, prayers and support that means so much to us," Murphy told the crowd.

This is the same lot authorities used as staging ground when responding to that mass shooting last month.

Murphy survived more than dozen gun shots, and more importantly survived to celebrate his birthday.

At his side was Oak Creek Police officer Sam Lenda. He fired the shot that took down the temple gunman.