CHICOPEE, Mass. - Chicopee police officer Mark Wilkes is still recovering in the hospital after suffering a heart attack following the Chicopee Police vs. Fire Department "Battle of the Badges" charity hockey game earlier this month.

The Chicopee Police Department held a briefing outside of Baystate Hospital Friday with an update on Wilkes condition.

"After the event was over he went home and he wasn't feeling well," said Chicopee police public information officer Travis Odiorne. "So he called 911 and then the fire department responded and then transported him to the hospital. On route to the hospital, he suffered a massive heart attack and then they began CPR and transferred him out to Baystate where he's been in the IC unit since.

"He's alert, he's making contact with people," Odiorne said. "He's talking to them as they're coming in. He recognizes who we are as we come in. He's sitting up on his own now which is very good. He still has a long road ahead of him, but he's doing a good job battling right now."

Odiorne said people can show their support for officer Wilkes in a number of different ways.

"We created a bank account at the Polish National Credit Union in Chicopee," Odiorne said. "And people can stop down there and make cash or check donations in his name. We also created the window decal stickers and a commemorative hockey puck which we're selling at the police station in the lobby."

Wilkes' mother, Joan Wilkes was in attendance at Friday's briefing. She said her family is grateful for all of the people who have reached out in support.

"He's got a good update," Wilkes said. "He really is doing excellent today in my eyes because he's come such a long way. He's been asleep all these days knowing very little that we're all there for him. But he really appreciates all of your support and prayers and I do too, believe me."

The Chicopee Police Department will also be hosting a charity lunch for officer Wilkes on Sunday from noon to 5 pm.m at the Portuguese American Club in Chicopee.