A Birmingham policeman shot in the line of duty Wednesday evening is out of surgery and recovering, police said. Officer Cullen Stafford was listed in stable condition at UAB. The surgery went as well as could be expected, said Lt. Johnny Williams, who added that the officer is expected to undergo additional procedures. Stafford, who turns 36 years old on Thursday, was shot while responding to a robbery at the Family Market on 23rd Street North. Additional officers responded, and killed the gunman during a shootout, police said.
"We often talk about how our officers put their lives on the line every day for our safety,'' Mayor Randall Woodfin said. "Tonight is proof of the courage, valor and strength it takes to wear that badge. Officer Stafford, your city stands with you."