Doctors, Family: Shot Officer's Improvement Accelerating

INDIANAPOLIS -- Doctors, police and the father of a critically wounded Indianapolis Metro police officer said Tuesday they are ecstatic about the recovery progress the officer has made since he was shot in the head and chest on Thursday.

Officer Jason Fishburn, 29, remains in critical condition at Wishard Memorial Hospital, but signs of improvement in his condition have accelerated over the past couple of days.

A family of strong faith pleaded with the public for prayers in the days after Fishburn's shooting, and Fishburn's father, IMPD Sgt. Dennis Fishburn, said those prayers have been answered.

"God granted a miracle for us," Fishburn said as his voice trembled with emotion. "Thanks to my God for allowing this miracle to happen."

Dr. Richard Rodgers, Wishard's director of neurotrauma, said Fishburn's condition has dramatically improved and is better than doctors would have expected. Now that he is beyond the 72-hour threshold within which most victims with a gunshot wound to the head die, the focus turns to recovery.

"He's going to face a long term of rehabilitation," Rodgers said. "He opens his eyes on his own and he moves his left side very purposefully."

Doctors are not sure how much control Fishburn will have over the right side of his body or what damage might have been done to his ability to speak.

Doctors began backing off the level of sedation, which allowed Fishburn to open his eyes on his own and to grasp his mother's hand and gaze into her eyes, Dennis Fishburn said.

"This is a family of strong faith and strong compassion," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

"I also marvel at the strength of this family. Every day, I'm impressed with their resolve and their faith," said IMPD Chief Michael Spears.

Fishburn, Ballard and Spears said the outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of phenomenal. Numerous elementary school students have sent get-well messages.

On Monday, friends and family members said they were buoyed by the sheer number of well-wishers.

"We have received so many papers with pictures on them from little ones with crayons," Fishburn said.

Spears said the shooting hasn't dampened officers' desire to continue the work they do.

"Jason's injury was like a punch in the gut to our police department ... but it hasn't dissuaded our officers one bit," Spears said.

Brian Reese, 36, was charged Monday with murder, burglary and carrying a handgun without a license in the shooting death of Clifford Haddix, 69.

Officers were tracking down Reese on a warrant sweep Thursday when Fishburn was shot. Charges are pending in that shooting.