CINCINNATI -- The West Chester police officer critically injured after crashing his cruiser last week is now listed in fair condition at University Hospital.
Officer Nicholas Gattermeyer, 25, is awake and responding to commands at the hospital. Caretakers removed his breathing tube on Sunday.
He was injured after losing control of his cruiser and hitting a utility pole and tree near Dimmick Road and Friar Tuck Drive while responding to a burglary on November 24. He had been in critical condition since then.
Gattermeyer is also responding to commands to wiggle his toes, move his fingers and stick out his tongue.
Hospital officials say Gattermeyer is very groggy and can barely whisper, but his first words after coming to were "I want to get up" and "I want to go home."
The officer also reportedly recognized everyone and even let out a whispered "Who Dey" when the Bengals won on Sunday.
Gattermeyer still has a long road ahead, but these steps are good signs of recovery.
