The family of wounded Fort Worth police Officer Matt Pearce got a big surprise on Wednesday night.

And Pearce had a big surprise for his supporters.

A giant check for $113,000 was presented to Pearce's wife Laura and their extended family at a special event to show support the wounded officer. All told, more than $153,000 was given to the family.

Laura Pearce, the wife of wounded Fort Worth police Officer Matt Pearce, accepted a check from #TeamPearce on April 13, 2016.

Most of the money has come via donations raised by #TeamPearce T-shirt sales and proceeds from a benefit evening sponsored by North Texas Chick-fil-A restaurants last month.

Pearce was shot seven times in the line of duty last month while pursuing a father-and-son duo wanted on outstanding warrants.

His recovery has been up and down, with Laura keeping everyone updated through a separate GoFundMe page.

The officer's wife spoke publicly on Wednesday, saying she has told her husband repeatedly to never doubt his actions during those fateful moments.

Laura Pearce, the wife of wounded Fort Worth police Officer Matt Pearce, accepted a check from #TeamPearce on April 13, 2016.

"I keep telling him, 'Matt... you had a split-second to make a decision, and I think you did the right thing."'

Pearce was part of a group of officers who were chasing Ed McIver and his son Ed McIver Jr. in far west Forth Worth nearly four weeks ago.

McIver shot Pearce. The father was then killed by other officers, and his son was later arrested.

Pearce has been hailed for his bravery that Tuesday, and in a brief video message shown at Wednesday's event, the young father vowed to return to the police force when he could.

<p>Wounded Fort Worth police Officer Matt Pearce appeared in a video from his hospital bed to thank supporters on April 13, 2016.</p>

"We're gonna keep fighting, because you'll keep fighting," Pearce said. "I'm coming back. I'm gonna be back."

Laura said her husband is finally out of the intensive care unit at John Peter Smith Hospital. He still faces months of rehabilitation, and perhaps additional surgeries.

Aside from the giant check, a number of smaller grants and donation checks were also presented. Another $85,000 raised on the GoFundMe page has yet to distributed.

Read more about this story at Star-Telegram.com, a WFAA media partner

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