A special honor was held for the New York State Police trooper shot on the Southern State Parkway Thursday.

A "walk out" was held Friday afternoon for Thomas Mascia.

He was shot by a driver parked near Exit 17 in West Hempstead and then hospitalized in stable condition at Nassau University Medical Center.

Trooper Mascia smiled as hundreds applauded him outside of NUMC.

His parents kissed him on the head as fellow state troopers, friends, Nassau police officers and hospital staff looked on.

There were mixed emotions outside the hospital.

New York State Police Capt. Timothy Gleason said “…while we are angry beyond words at what was done to him, we’re also extremely grateful that today he is going home.”

Police are continuing to look for the gunman.