An NYPD officer from Brewster received cheers upon his release from a Bronx hospital Friday after being shot in the face.

Officer Patrick Espeut spent the night recovering at Lincoln Hospital after he and two other officers encountered gunfire at the Melrose Housing Complex in the Bronx.

Police say the gunman also shot Officer Diara Cruz in the stomach below her bulletproof vest.

The third officer wasn't hurt.

Police say the gunman, identified as 23-year-old Malik Chavis, took his own life. They say he had 11 previous arrests.

Espeut has been with the NYPD for two years. He graduated from Brewster High School in 2004.

For the last 10 years, the officer has also served with the Air National Guard in Newburgh. His commander released a statement Friday saying, "Technical Sgt. Espeut is a profoundly professional airman at the 105th Airlift Wing so it does not surprise us at all that he conducted himself with courage and distinction in his duties with the NYPD. We are relieved that his injuries, although serious, are not life-threatening and we are hopeful for a speedy recovery."

Authorities say Officer Cruz is expected to be OK.