In an effort to thank and inform the community the family of Lockland Police Officer Brandon Gehring spoke publically Tuesday evening.
Mark and Janiece Mason along with Lieutenant Terrance Wilkerson spoke to reporters at the Lockland Town Hall.
Gehring’s aunt and uncle says their nephew is able to answer questions with his eyes.
"Brandon's mother is my sister," explained Janiece Mason.
"We have a very tight family. This is a very tight community and there's been so many friends and an outpouring of love," Mason said.
The Masons explained that Gehring underwent two surgeries Tuesday one to stabilize his ribs and the other to repair fractured bones in his wrist.
"Brandon is in critical, but stable condition," said Mark Mason.
They also said Brandon knows he was in an accident and that he is at the hospital.
"They'll bring the parents in and they'll ask if he realizes that they're there. Brandon does realize that he was in an accident and those questions were asked of him today and he did through batting his eyes relay that he understood that today," said Mark Mason.
Mason explained the first 24 to 36 hours are the most important in situations like these and that Brandon has made it through that first phase.
"Brandon is a very humble young man and he never looks for a pat on the back. He would be very embarrassed by all of this attention," added Mark Mason.
There has been a fund set up for Gehring. It is the "Brandon Gehring Assistance Fund" and those wishing to make a donation can do so at any Fifth Third bank branch.
The Masons shared the family's gratitude for the support the community has shown and said they would provide further updates as needed.
