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Cop saved by bulletproof vest: 'I'm just glad to be here today'

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — A Pittsburgh-area police officer who was shot while on patrol last week tells Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz that he's shaken, but has no plans to change careers.

Harmony Township Police Officer Alan Loskoch was on patrol early Wednesday when he saw a man trying to break into a car. The suspect shot at the officer, hitting Loskoch once in the vest over his chest.

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“It was a routine patrol and it happened so quick,” he said.

Loskoch credits his bulletrpoof vest with saving his life.

“I wear my vest every day and it's actually a newer vest -- we just received them,” Loskoch said. “I truly give the vest all the credit for saving me that day.”

Loskoch was briefly hospitalized.

“I'm relieved, and I’m just glad to be here talking to you today,” Loskoch told Marcinkiewicz.

Police had been searching since early Wednesday for whoever shot Loskoch.

On Friday, only Channel 11 News was there as Earl Louis Hollins turned himself in to Aliquippa police. He faces charges including attempted murder and aggravated assault.

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“It was always a dream of mine to become a police officer,” Loskoch said. “I love it. I go to work every day and it doesn’t feel like work to me.”

Marcinkiewicz then asked Loskoch if he still wants to be a police officer.

“Absolutely,” he said smiling.

He said he’s been overwhelmed by the support from his fellow police officers, as well as the community.

“I’m really grateful for the amount of support I've received over the past week or so,” he said.

The father of two young children said he takes a lot of pride in his work and he'll be back on patrol soon.

“It really touches you that there are good people out there that support us, because sometimes you feel alone. There are a lot of great people that support us,” Loskoch said.

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