Officer Kristina Ripatti carries on

LAPD officer Kristina Ripatti smiles as her hand is held by her partner, Joe Meyer, while her daughter Jordan touches her arm.  (Gary Friedman / LAT)

HONOR GUARD: LAPD officers salute Kristina Ripatti, paralyzed from the chest down, as she leaves California Hospital.  (Gary Friedman / LAT)

Margaret McConnell (right) is the mother of LAPD officer Kristina Ripatti and Cora Ripatti (left) is her sister. They listen to Kristina speaking as she is greeted by fellow LAPD officers before leaving California Hosiptal.  (Gary Friedman / LAT)

LAPD officer Kristina Ripatti is greeted by a fellow LAPD officer as she leaves California Hosiptal.  (Gary Friedman / LAT)