Detective Jeffrey Griffin faces lengthy recovery after being shot by burglary suspect

The Wauwatosa Police Department has identified the detective shot by a burglary suspect as 51-year-old Jeffrey Griffin.

The veteran was hired in June 1990 and has held many positions since then, including patrol officer, school resource officer and member of the special response team.

In April 2011, Griffin was promoted to detective and over the course of his career, has received numerous awards for his service. It's earned him a well-respected reputation among his peers.

\"If you're ever going to get into a situation, you want this guy with you, or, if you're ever worried about something going on in your neighborhood, he's the guy you want on patrol,\" Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said last week. \"He's one of those officers that just really lives and breathes that job. He's a very experienced guy.\"

Griffin was following up on a burglary Friday, June 19 when he encountered 20-year-old Najee Harmon.

In an apartment parking lot near 60th and Good Hope, Harmon allegedly fired several rounds at Griffin and two of his colleagues. Harmon took off running sparking a more than 24-hour manhunt. Griffin was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery for a serious injury.

In a statement Tuesday, Chief Weber said, \"Jeff is stable and improving, but still faces a lengthy recovery. Our police department will continue to support him and his family in every way we can.\"

Harmon has not yet been charged in the shooting of Detective Griffin, but he is facing one felony count of armed robbery. Authorities said it happened at a check cashing store in Milwaukee on June 16, just three days before the shooting and manhunt.