Only on WRAL: Injured officer's father shares gratitude for community support

A little more than two months after Raleigh police officer Max Gillick was shot in the line of duty, a hockey game raised money to help with his medical bills. Before the game WRAL's Debra Morgan got an opportunity to talk with Gillick's father. 

WRAL's Debra Morgan: Well, let's talk about Max. How's he doing?

Mark Gillick: He's good, he's good. He's getting better. He's at home and he's lost some weight, but he's good. He'll be okay.

WRAL:Is he antsy to get back?

Gillick: He's very antsy. He just doesn't like sitting around. You know, it's a lot. He's sitting around reading, watching TV and stuff, but he gets up and gets around what he needs to do. But, yeah, he's not, he's not built to sit around.

WRAL: As are a lot of people, I'm sure.

Gillick: Yeah.

WRAL: So he was in the military before he became a Raleigh Police Officer, right?

Gillick: Yep, he was.

WRAL: Does that run in your family, that you have public service?

Gillick: Absolutely not. My wife and I, no. When Max was in high school, he got involved with ROTC. We were down in Texas, and it was kind of a big thing. So he and his buddies got involved in ROTC, and one thing led to another. He ended up going to Texas A&M [and] he was there for four years. He did all the military stuff there, everything you can possibly do. Then when he graduated, he was sent to Vincenza, Italy. He was there for a couple of years, then he went to Germany. He did about 10 years...10-11, years.

WRAL: What did he like about it?

Gillick: Probably not living at home with the parents bugging him anymore, brother and sister. He's adventurous. We're all kind of adventurous. We like to get out and see things and so. But Max is always right from the get go in high school, when he got involved with the mill, with ROTC, he's he's always wanted to step up and see things, see the world.

WRAL: When he became a police officer, what were your thoughts on that? Did he ask you his opinion?

Gillick: No, kids do not ask their parents opinions. And if they do, they just do the opposite. No, I was thrilled. Very, very happy. You know, it's something I always wanted to do. It just didn't work out. I work in corrections. I work inside a prison, and Max's younger brother works with the sheriff's department... I thought it was great. I've always backed the blue. We all in our family for we just have so when he we were pretty happy. We're excited for him.

WRAL: So bring me back to that night in January, when you got that phone call, what was that like?

Gillick: To be honest, when we first got the call, we were told it wasn't critical. He was shot. We got the phone call... I saw the the number come up on my phone, Raleigh Police Department lieutenant and I'm thinking, that's kind of strange, and I really didn't want to answer the phone. You know, we see these things on TV, but you know, in the back of your mind you think, Oh God, I don't want to answer the phone. So when I called, they told me that he'd been shot and he wasn't critical, but he was on the way to hospital. So this was like a 6:30, 7:00 on a Tuesday night, I believe. And we're in Colorado, so we don't know what to do. So his girlfriend, Tatiana, we were told she was picked up by the police and taken to WakeMed, and I was texting her kind of throughout the night, and it was still the same thing. They just didn't really know the severity of it, and we were being told, non critical. So, we weren't panicking, but it was pretty restless, to say the least.

WRAL: Especially being so far away.

Gillick: That was a big thing. We couldn't be there. We didn't know. We couldn't just go. We couldn't leave. It was... the middle of the night, what are we supposed to do? So we had to wait ... we waited till morning. Then we got the phone call from the I believe was a trauma nurse, which was the worst thing parent could ever hear.

WRAL: What did she say?

Gillick: She was pretty blatant. She pulled no punches, and the situation wasn't good, and to start making our way here. Okay, great. We've got 1800 miles to cover. What do we do? So the police department got caught [up with] Tatiana ... she was kind of like the point. She was between us and the police who made the arrangement, just give us your information, got us on a plane, went to Chicago, transferred over, and we got in that night. So we were traveling throughout the day.

WRAL: Must have felt like forever.

Gillick: It was on that flight, we had texting, so we weren't hearing anything, really. So it was kind of like, Please, God, we don't need the phone call, you know. So it was pretty miserable.

WRAL: So are you a family of faith?

Gillick: No, but at that point, it's just -- whatever, whatever can help whatever. So, yeah, you think of things, but I can't, you know, if I sat here and said, Yes, I lying, but there was, you know.

WRAL: You start reaching for any kind of hope you can?

Gillick: Oh, yeah! Absolutely. 

WRAL: So when you got to Raleigh and you got to the hospital, what happened then?

Gillick: Well, we got off the plane, and the police were there. They waited. They were right outside,  the airplane door at the terminal, [and] took us through the airport. We got there, got into WakeMed, which is enormous. We were down, and we didn't know where we were going. At that time, it would have been early evening. At that time, [his condition] still was unknown, because he'd been in surgery, probably six, seven hours at least. So, it was pretty crazy. But the police made a big deal. They just rallied around. They were, like, 1,000% supportive. I mean, they got us, they took care of his, got us through. They were just everything. I just can't say enough about Raleigh. PD.

WRAL: So when you got to see Max for the first time?

Gillick: He was heavily sedated. He had 100 tubes in him. He had all kinds of things going on. Yeah, you don't want to see your kid like that ... When we got there, some of the police officers were there. I don't think they told us what happened that night, but later in the day, the ones that were involved, they said they knew the minute that he was being taken to WakeMed, they knew things were going to be okay because of the reputation, and then later on, we saw firsthand. So, yeah, it's so -- I hate to say surreal, but when you see your child like that, it's bad.

WRAL: Did he know you were there?

Gillick: I don't know. I think the couple of days later, when they relieve some of the meds so they could get him to move. He was giving thumbs up, and he was hearing. That whole process is pretty bizarre, how that happens anyway. Once we could start to see that he was acknowledging when they asked him questions and they shut the drugs off for a minute ... I don't think he remembers, now us being there. When we talk about it, he doesn't remember us being there. But at the time, it was good for us to see him like that, at least he could respond. Move your hands, move your feet, you know. But it was pretty bewildered.

WRAL: You must have been relieved.

Gillick: Yeah, at that point, you know, he wasn't out of the woods. We were told that, because there was still a lot wrong, a lot that need to be fixed. But it got better. We can see it. We saw the the way everybody treated him.

WRAL: So you're happy with his treatment, with the Raleigh police?

Gillick: Oh yeah [and] before we get into that ... our condolences and our sympathy go out to the victim Dr Rowe, what happened there. That's number one. It shouldn't have happen. It's probably a whole other thing. But back to your original question, but WakeMed the way they worked, the way they had coverage on him and around the clock, and everybody hands on, we probably didn't see any less than three or four people in there at one time. And then the and then the Raleigh. PD, there were, I mean, hundreds. They had set up like a command post, I suppose, in the hospital. So the city was sending in food. I mean, it was just, it was overwhelming, how well they just circled the wagon, so to speak, and took care of their own and the family.

WRAL: So during the shooting, Max is being described as heroic the way that he tried to protect Dr Rowe, even after being shot himself. Does any of that surprise you about your son? That he behave that way?

Gillick: No, no. First he's heard that a bunch of times, and he doesn't like that. He did his job. He did beyond, you know, protect and serve. I mean, that's the epitome of it. That's what police officers do. Even the other officers and SWAT that went in, they risked their own lives also to save Max, or to try to save, the situation in there. As for Max, no, not at all. He's always been an overachiever in that regards where he's done the right thing.

WRAL: I think of the unselfishness too.

Gillick: Yeah. ... Again, with police they know what's at risk. They go in there and they have to do what they have to do. And you see somebody that's hurt or injured, instincts are going to kick in your training, everything you've learned, just the way you are. You're going to go in and you're going to try to help out. That's what they do. So, good for them. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't look at it that way, but when you see this kind of thing, or if you believe in what they do, then you know.

WRAL: How much does he remember of that night?

Gillick: I think he remembers a lot of it up until, I think when he went down and he went out. I haven't really talked to him too much about it. My concern right now is just to let him relax and get healthy. And, you know, he'll tell little bits and pieces and stuff like that.

WRAL: You wait for him to talk about it.

Gillick: Yeah, you know, as a parent, it's like, I think I know enough. The police that were there with him at that time, and the SWAT that were there and the emergency response team, they told me some things, bits and pieces and stuff and 15 to 20 minutes or so, horrible.

WRAL: How proud of you of your son?

Gillick: Proud. Yep, that's where you get me, right here. But you know, it's corny, but we've got two other kids, and we're proud of all three of them. They've all done really well. So, you had to ask that one.

WRAL: Well, I think a lot of people understand what you're going through and understand that they have children and they're proud of their children, but for Max to step up the way that he did and and go above and beyond. Like you said, I think is quite an emotional thought.

Gillick: Yeah, there was a guy that was in the army with him in Germany that I think he spoke to somebody and that was really something, because ... he never contacted us. Max, when I asked him, he says he couldn't really remember the guy. And [the guy] said, Oh yeah, I remember him. I said, That's really something for somebody to get hold of [WRAL] , but he's got that reputation. When he went to school and when he was in the army, [he] kind of took hold to control of things. Yeah, the Gillick boys, we don't really back down too much too. And the girls too. They're probably tougher than we are. Well, I know they are, but yeah, you know, you just try to do the right thing. And Max did.

WRAL: Is it one day at a time now, for him, one step forward at a time.

Gillick: Yeah. We have pretty dark, sarcastic sense of humor in our family, so he's got that. So I know that he's okay with his situation. He'd rather be up and about, and doing things rather than sitting around being weighted on hand and foot. But, he's able to get up and and do things and go to a few places. So it's just frustrating that it's taking taking long, but it hasn't been that long since this happened. So he'll be fine. He'll be okay.

WRAL: That first time in the hospital that he was able to respond to you and see you was, was what was that like? Was he still kind of dazed?

Gillick: Originally, I left after about eight days, because I knew that I had to get back to take care of whatever back home. But we knew that he was going to be okay. I didn't like leaving. My wife stayed for about five weeks. I came back, and it was, I mean, just remarkable. Five weeks before he had tubes in, and when I went back this last time before he got out, he was sitting up. A lot of the tubes already was moved to another room, and it was almost like you would think he just went in for his appendix to be taken out. Because he was alert. He was talking. Everybody was supportive. Police were in there. Everybody.

WRAL: So does he want to still be a police officer?

Gillick: I don't know. You know he's been in the military for 10 years. He finished up in Afghanistan, and he came here, got into police. He was here, with them, almost three years, He's a lot of excitement. So I think whatever he chooses, he'll be fine.

WRAL: Will you and your wife allow him to still be a police officer?

Gillick: Yeah, you know it changes you. Because you know, you're always worried about your kids, but when this happens now, it's like, now I got to worry... you know, it changes you, because you realize, you could go at any time.

WRAL: So you would, you say you didn't worry before.

Gillick: I did worry. But you know, police are being shot at all the time now. It's a common thing. Not too long ago, it was hands off. You don't shoot at police, you don't shoot at school yards, or churches or anything like that. But that's changed. The danger and that kind of thing can happen a lot more, which it does, but you never think it's going to happen to your kid. We watch these things on TV, and you think, Oh, that poor family of that police officer, but you're distant from it. Now, you're part of it. The last two weeks ago, I think, in Colorado, near where I live, three police officers were shot at, and now three were hit. Chasing down a suspect turned and fired hit all three. They, thank God, they're in the hospital, they survived, and they got out. And you know something like that, it's like, here we go. So dredge is that kind of thing up to? But you look at these police departments, we went to his graduation almost three years ago, and you know, they're well trained. Raleigh. PD is, famous for how well they train their officers. I think a lot of their cadets are from different areas. They want to go and learn. 

WRAL: I also wanted to ask you about, you talked about the support at the hospital, the police officers, but what about the community? I understand, he's had a lot of cards.

Gillick: Oh yeah, the community. That was kind of not the surprising thing, but the city did rally around. I mean, there were restaurants sending in gift cards and food. I mean, they were feeding us three times a day for first couple weeks . There, it was almost like, oh, God. Somebody enough already. He got hundreds and hundreds of cards. I mean, these weren't just cards. People went out and bought and wrote their name at the bottom. I mean, you open it up, and there was, like, letters in there...both sides of the card. I mean, people sat down and they took their time, and they thanked him, and they talked. I mean, both sides of the cards. It was really something. The school kids were sending in pictures of police officers and cartoons coloring him in and sent him in ... our hero, and things like that.

WRAL: Did that brighten his spirits?

Gillick: Oh, yeah, yeah. He's still, just still reading them and and going through them, and he'll respond. But yeah, that's a big thing when the community rallies around a police officer that's been injured. You hear a lot of negative things about the police and stuff, but the community...they did a vigil a couple of nights after over in the neighborhood where it happened, and a big turnout and for support for the victim and for Max. So it was really nice to see. Made a big difference.

WRAL: And now the game tonight?

Gillick: Yeah, I'm looking forward to that. Like I told you, anytime there's a hockey game involved, I want to be a part of it. So, I think that's really cool. I've heard about these benefits with police and firemen. So I'm looking forward to it. I think it's a great. It's just really, really cool. They're doing that.

WRAL: Obviously, this is a fundraiser for you, your family, Max and his medical bills. So what are some of the expenses that you see moving forward, that people can help with?

Gillick: I don't really see a lot. I know that when somebody gets hurt on the job, workman's comp takes over. So, you know, you're not seeing you full paycheck. Which is hard to believe, especially, police officer, fireman, any first responder that gets hurt in the line of duty. They don't get their full paycheck. Workman's comp comes in and helps out. So all these donations help to, you know, help out with offsetting things...But it'll be fine. It'll work out.

WRAL: What message would you like to send to the people of our area.

Gillick: My wife and I and our family really appreciate it. That's about all I can muster to say. To see them rally around and take care of the police, take care of them, but the city ... It's just, I don't know. It's just strange thing. You don't see that unless you're involved. You don't see or hear about unless you're right in the middle of it. And then you see everybody gather around. That's pretty cool, because otherwise you don't see it. And if you get the chance, don't see it.

WRAL: Yeah, understood. Well, welcome to Raleigh, because that's how people respond here. I mean, that doesn't surprise me at all to hear about the response that you receive. People are very generous here.

Gillick: We saw it. Believe me, we saw it. We still see it. So we appreciate it, and we thank the city and WakeMed and Raleigh Police Department.

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