Applause, cheers for officer released from hospital

TAMPA (FOX 13) - A Tampa police officer got a warm reception from his colleagues as he was released from the hospital this afternoon, two days after being shot.

Police say body armor is the one thing that stopped a bullet from taking the life of Officer Jose Rodriguez, who was responding to a shooting investigation Saturday.

Investigators say Patrick McManamon had shot and killed 51-year-old Edward King at a Sunoco gas station, then drove to a Hyatt hotel at 30th Street and Fowler Avenue.

Investigators say McManamon opened fire when Officer Rodriguez and another officer arrived; Rodriguez was hit in the chest.

The officers returned fire, hitting McManamon.  He later died at the hospital.

Rodriguez, a 13 -year veteran of the Tampa Police Department, was wheeled out of Tampa General Hospital this afternoon.  Video shared by the Tampa Police Benevolent Association showed officers lined up along the sidewalk bursting into applause as he was released.

VIDEO: Watch officer's greeting

Rodriguez was wearing what police are calling a "bullet-resistant" vest, which apparently saved his life.

"The vest did what it's supposed to do, so he does have some minor trauma, which is associated with the force," Chief Eric Ward offered.