Shot officer is 2nd-generation Denver policeman

The Denver Police Department has confirmed that the officer shot during a traffic stop on Tuesday is Tony Lopez Jr.

Lopez is a second-generation Denver policeman. His father, Tony Lopez Sr., is a Denver Police Department commander.

Lopez Jr., a veteran officer himself, was shot during a traffic stop near W. 37th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. Sources said the officer was shot in an arm and both legs, but he was wearing a bulletproof vest. Lopez was out of surgery Tuesday evening. After a day of being touch-and-go, his surgeon told Denver7 he expects the officer will survive despite a massive blood loss.

Denver Police and city officials issued statements about the shooting.

"This situation is extremely personal for everyone down here," she said.  "It reminds us all we can never take for granted the commitment that these law enforcement have every day on the job." -- Tami Door of the Downtown Denver Partnership. 

"We have received good news that Officer Lopez is out of surgery. Myself, my family and all of Denver are sending our thoughts and prayers to him and his family at this critical time. Officer Lopez and his family have given so much to this city and now they need us. I thank all the officers, first responders and amazing medical staff who came to his aid today. We are grateful to you all and hopeful for Officer Lopez's recovery." -- Mayor Hancock

WE'RE ALL PULLING FOR YOU, TONY!
Friends, you may have all heard by now that today, Denver Police District 1 Officer Tony Lopez Jr. was conducting a traffic stop this morning when he was shot. Officer Lopez was transported to Denver Health suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. He is out of surgery and remains in critical condition. We know Tony is a tough dude and we are sending him healing thoughts and support. Please join us in wishing him the best and thanking the staff at Denver Health for taking such good care of him! -- Denver Police Facebook

Last year, the Denver Police Department honored Lopez on Facebook as one of the best officers of 2014 after he went out of his way to make sure a 4-year-old girl got "the birthday she deserved after saving her mom's life."

Lopez responded to the girl's home after the child called 911 to say her mother has passed out from a medical condition. During that visit, Lopez noticed that the girl was uncomfortable around police officers.

Denver Police said days later, Officer Lopez returned with a Happy Meal for the little girl. That's when he learned her birthday was coming up, but the mother, faced with medical bills, couldn't afford to buy presents or throw the girl a party.  

Officer Lopez went out of his way to buy gifts for the little girl and arranged for a local Skate City to donate a skate party for her birthday, police said.

On a DPD Facebook post honoring Officer Lopez's award, his police commander father wrote, "Very proud of you son."

In another Facebook post, a Denver resident wrote, "Tony Lopez Junior you gave that little girl something she will never forget. Nor will I. Great job Officer."