TEA, S.D. (KELO) – This week is the first time a Sioux Falls police officer has been shot since 1984. It was Jerry James’ second year working for the Sioux Falls Police Department when he was shot outside of the Nite City after the bar closed. He says a woman told him a man in the parking lot was waving around a gun.

“When I looked again there was a gun sticking out the window, and I didn’t see it the first time.And then I just reached down because the bar was letting out. I reached in overhand and I went to snatch it down. Well, he turned it up and shot me in the hand. It was a flesh wound. And then I jerked it out of the car,” James said.

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James says his hand turned black from the gunpowder and he felt a burning sensation.He says he was surprised to hear another officer had been shot in Sioux Falls on Tuesday.

“I was shocked that a police officer got shot. But you know there’s been so much gunfire in Sioux Falls it’s crazy” James said.

Although officer-involved shootings are rare, police Chief Jon Thum said in a press conference Tuesday night following the shooting, that officers are trained for all types of situations.

“Something that we worry about constantly, we train and prepare and know the reality of what can take place in our job. Something that we obviously take very seriously and we’ll do our best to make sure the investigation that needs to follow up here will take place and take the necessary actions,” Thum said.

After retiring from law enforcement in the 2000s, James now spends most of his time in the boxing ring. He says as the city continues to grow, people should be alert.

“Just be vigilant, keep your eyes open. Don’t start crap with people, don’t argue with people,” James said.

After getting shot James went back to work that same week.

He would spend another 21 years in law enforcement before retiring.