Steve Wills, an LAPD SWAT Officer, pushes his friend Officer Steve Jenkins out of the hospital. Jenkins, a 22-year veteran LAPD canine handler, was released from USC Norris today just in time to spend Easter at home with his family. (John McCoy, Staff Photographer)

After nearly three weeks in the hospital, an LAPD officer who was shot in the face in Sylmar was released in time to spend Easter at home with his family.

Officer Steve Jenkins, a 22-year veteran of the department, left USC Norris Hospital on Saturday afternoon after undergoing extensive surgeries, including the reconstruction of his jaw.

"Officer Jenkins has a long road of recovery ahead," read an LAPD statement. "But on this day he has one single mission, to spend a thankful Easter weekend at home surrounded by family and friends."

Despite his jaw still being wired shut, Jenkins seemed to be in good spirits as he was wheeled out of the hospital into a waiting SWAT SUV, offering a victory sign and giving a thumbs up.

The officers who were on hand to help him into the car were some of the officers who were at the shootout in which Jenkins was injured, and they wanted to see him home in order to "complete the mission."

"Today we are here to finish our call with Steve, together," said Lieutenant Bob Arcos, Officer-in-Charge of the K-9 platoon. "And we are going to get him home to his family. This is a great day for all of us."

Jenkins was shot in the jaw and shoulder on April 4 while responding to a domestic violence call in the 13600 block of Dronfield Avenue.

Jenkins, whom Chief Charlie Beck called an "incredible fighter" during his recovery, was rushed to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and kept in a medically induced coma before being moved to USC for more surgeries.

The shooting of Jenkins, a K-9 officer, prompted a daylong standoff between SWAT and Sergio O. Salazar, who had barricaded himself in the home.

His wife, described as "badly battered," had called police from a neighbor's home.

Salazar, 53, was found dead in the home after the house was torn apart by the BatCat, LAPD's robotic armed vehicle.

It was still unclear if Salazar committed suicide or was killed by police. Investigation results won't be available for about another two months, according to the Coroner's Office.