PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — Pennsylvania's governor said a state trooper who was shot during an ambush "saved lives", including that of his partner.

Gov. Josh Shapiro held a press conference alongside Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher L. Paris at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton on Thursday afternoon after two state troopers were shot by a gunman in the northeast part of the state.

The pair, identified as Trooper Joseph Perechinsky and Trooper William Jenkins, are now recovering with serious injuries.

READ MORE | Troopers identified after being shot by now dead suspect who 'ambushed' during manhunt

"Trooper Perechinsky saved lives today," said Gov. Shapiro. "He quite likely saved the life of his partner and the life of community members who were in the area. He acted decisively, he acted thoughtfully, and the work he did exemplifies the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police; the best law enforcement agency in the entire nation."

Shapiro said he was able to spend time with Trooper Perechinsky and members of his family. His father, a police chief, and girlfriend, a fellow trooper, were in attendance at the hospital.

"I must say, it was really uplifting and spiritual, quite frankly, to be with them," he said. "When a cop can bust chops, it means they're going to be okay."

The governor added that the Commonwealth is "indebted" to Trooper Perechinsky and Trooper Jenkins.

Shapiro said he was on his way to see Trooper Jenkins after the press conference.

I just hope that the entire community here in northeastern Pennsylvania and all across our Commonwealth will join me and Lori in prayer for the Perechinsky family and the Jenkins family, and the entire family of the Pennsylvania State Police.

This was the fifth and sixth shooting of a state trooper during Shapiro and Col. Paris's time in their roles.

"It never gets easier," Shapiro said. "But, I am always strengthened by and lifted up by the heroism and the bravery that these troopers demonstrate in really difficult circumstances."

Colonel Paris said he is very thankful that both troopers are in stable condition and that the scene is still active in Thompson Township.

The suspect, in this case, is dead, and it has not explicitly been declared that he was shot by Trooper Perechinsky.

Pennsylvania State Police reiterated that there is no threat to the community.

Col. Paris recalled the incident, saying the pair was responding to a welfare check and was immediately fired upon when they arrived.

"They are very lucky to be alive," said Colonel Paris. "Trooper Perechinsky was able to place a tourniquet on Trooper Jenkins despite both of their patrol cars being riddled with bullets. A third trooper was able to get in and evacuate them."

New York State Police assisted on the scene alongside other local departments from both Pennsylvania and New York.

We are very lucky today with the two troopers and we're thankful. Our hearts and our prayers go out to both of them and their families, as well as the community in Susquehanna County. As the governor said, this is troopers five and six that have been shot since January of 2023. We've had one shot fatally so we're very appreciative of the work that gets done by the women and men of the state police and our local, state, and federal partners on a daily basis.

Governor Shapiro ended on the note that he had spent some time with the doctors and nurses at Geisinger, calling them "extraordinary."

"I think it gets lost sometimes in our society the incredible work these healthcare providers offer to our community," Shapiro said. "We are really indebted to them as well, so I just want to thank them and thank the entire Geisinger family."