Chicopee police officer recovering after accidental shooting

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - A Chicopee police officer who was wounded during a training exercise is out of surgery and continuing to recover.

The officer, whose name is not being released, was shot during a SWAT team training exercise in a vacant housing area near Westover Air Reserve Base on Monday afternoon.

Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette told 22News that the officer had facial surgery on Monday night. He has been alert and responsive throughout, and never lost consciousness.

Bissonnette said that he is now waiting for a report from internal affairs and the State Police regarding the event that led to the officer’s injuries.

Chicopee Police Chief Thomas Charette is scheduled to provide more information during a news conference on Tuesday afternoon.