![Troopers Condition Improves](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2019/04/gettyimages-860637974-594x594.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Troopers Condition Improves
Officials say a Montana Highway Patrol trooper is conscious and his condition is stable more than two weeks after being shot three times while investigating a fatal Missoula shooting.
Highway Patrol chief Col. Tom Butler said in a statement Tuesday he is grateful for Trooper Wade Palmer’s progress, but he is aware that Palmer has a long journey ahead of him.
The statement says the 35-year-old Palmer is not yet speaking, but he recognizes certain people and commands. He has been moved out of a critical care unit and is scheduled for reconstructive surgery on Thursday for injuries to his jaw.
Palmer was shot on March 15 while investigating a shooting that killed one person and wounded two others.
Twenty-eight-year-old Johnathan Bertsch has pleaded not guilty to charges of homicide and attempted homicide.
More From 103.7 The Hawk
![Head Back To School Safely With These Tips From Montana Highway Patrol!](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/08/attachment-MHP-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![My View This Morning](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2018/09/IMG-2317-e1536340788766.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![SAM’S FAVORITES : TROOPER](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2013/01/hqdefault11.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![124 Year Old Bar In Eastern Montana For Sale](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2024/05/attachment-Bison-Bar-for-Sale-1600x1067.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ugh. These School Drop Offs are the Absolute Worst in Billings](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2022/08/attachment-Untitled-design-651.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Water In Miles City Unsafe To Drink And Use, Boil Order Issued](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2023/08/attachment-Boil-Water-miles-city.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Montana Radio Legend Bob Gilbert Passes Away at 77](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2023/06/attachment-Bob-Gilbert-jr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Six Free Things to Do This Spring in Billings](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2020/03/daffodils.png?w=980&q=75)
![Found a Wild Bunny in Your Montana Backyard? Here’s What to Do.](http://townsquare.media/site/124/files/2020/05/IMG_20200518_191843.jpg?w=980&q=75)