Pittsburgh officer returns to work 2 years after Tree of Life shooting

It was a long road back from the Tree of Life shooting, but Pittsburgh Police SWAT Officer Timothy Matson is on the job once again.

Matson returned to work Monday, according to a social media post. He return comes nearly two years after he suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the October 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill. Eleven people from three congregations died in the shooting, and seven people were wounded.

Tree of Life displayed a photo of a smiling Matson on Facebook Monday with the words: “We can never thank you enough for your service and we are so pleased to see you back on the job!”

Matson was one of the officers who rushed into the synagogue to try and stop the shooter, Robert Bowers. Matson is credited with saving lives as a result of his efforts. He was shot along with another Pittsburgh officer, Anthony Burke, as they and other members of the SWAT team entered the synagogue to clear the building and search for those who were wounded and other survivors, along with the gunman.

Six weeks later, while he remained the only injured victim hospitalized, Matson’s name was one of those offered up for prayer during a combined Hanukkah service with members of the Tree of Life congregation at Rodef Shalom.

Two months after that, while still recovering from his injuries, Matson was one of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s guests at the State of the Union address.

“In October 2018, Tim responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and saved countless lives in that heinous, anti-Semitic attack,” the White House said in its announcement.

Matson has been an officer with the Pittsburgh police since 2005. He joined the department’s SWAT team in 2016.

While he was in the hospital, Matson’s fellow officers praised his positive attitude and marveled at his ability to laugh and joke with them.

“Tim said from day one that he would be back. He’s worked extremely hard over the last two years to make this a reality and we couldn’t be prouder or more thankful to Tim and all who stood by his side during this incredible journey,” said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert. “If anyone was going to do this, after everything he’s been through, I knew Tim could.”

Other officers injured in the Tree of Life attack were Daniel Mead, who was shot in the hand, and Michael Smidga, who was wounded by shrapnel that hit his face. Two other officers, John Persin and Tyler Pashel, suffered hearing and knee injuries respectively.

“Officer Matson is a model of selflessness and dedication to others, and a great example of the public service police officers and other city employees provide to Pittsburgh residents every day,” Mayor Bill Peduto said.

Matson could not immediately be reached for comment on Tuesday.