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Officer in crash leaves Drake Center; benefit tonight

Photos: Benefit held for injured officer

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By Dave Greber, Staff Writer Updated 8:34 PM Friday, December 11, 2009

CINCINNATI — Three weeks ago, West Chester Twp. police officer Nicholas Gattermeyer was in a coma fighting for his life as doctors tried to control the swelling on his brain.

On Friday, Dec. 11, thanks to support and what friends, family and co-workers describe as nothing short of divine intervention, the 25-year-old Gattermeyer walked out of The Drake Center to continue what has already been a miraculous and rapid recovery at home.

Doctors say he could be back behind the wheel of a car in three months, and return to work as early as three to six months.

“A lot of prayers have been answered,” Gattermeyer said Friday, flanked by Police Chief Erik Niehaus, his family and doctors from University Hospital and Drake. “I’m just looking forward to going home and getting better and getting back to work.”

Gattermeyer, who was hired by the township in February 2008, was responding to a burglary progress in the 7700 block of Barret Road during the early morning hours of Nov. 24.

Somehow, his cruiser went left-of-center and struck a utility pole and then a tree near the intersection of Dimmick Road and Friar Tuck Drive. The wreck obliterated the cruiser, and police say the ongoing investigation into the crash could take another few weeks.

The crash trapped Gattermeyer in his cruiser for a short time, and other officers responding nearby were on the scene within minutes of the crash, officials have said.

Several factors contributed to the young officer’s life being saved Nov. 24: A safety belt and air bag, and quick response and constant monitoring by the West Chester Fire Department, doctors said.

The safety belt prevented Gattermeyer’s head from striking anything inside his cruiser, but it also contributed to the severity of his brain injuries because of rapid deceleration, according to Dr. Lori Shutter, neuron-intensivist at University Hospital and Mayfield Clinic.

Shutter said Gattermeyer remained in a coma for three days as a team of seven to eight doctors helped to control the swelling and bleeding on his brain. He also sustained fractures to his lower right leg and foot and some lacerations.

He was released from University Hospital to Drake on Dec. 1. Since then, therapists have been working on his speech and other motor skills.

As he has for the past few weeks, Niehaus lauded the support Gattermeyer and others have received from the community.

“The support that this police department has received as well as his family has been tremendous,” he said tearing up. I’ve met so many amazing people through this journey. I’m just grateful to be here.”

Gattermeyer said he received support from people he never expected, and acts of kindness, such as officers stationed by his beside around the clock.

“It makes a world of difference. It’s day and night,” he said. “A lot of people kind of came out of the woodwork. Once you’re on that side of it and you realize what it means, it’s day and night.”

“We’re happy to have Nick home for Christmas,” his father Andrew said. “It’s a miracle.”

Fundraiser event

Local officers are planning an event to benefit Gattermeyer and Toys for Tots. The benefit is scheduled for 8 p.m., today at the Metropolis Nite Club in Cincinnati Mall. Those who attend are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy or $10.

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