OMAHA, Neb. -- Injured Omaha police officer Paul Latschar was upgraded from critical to serious condition Friday, according to Creighton University Medical Center.

At the hospital, Latschar was upright in a chair with his wife Tara by his side.

"I truly believe he's a sitting miracle," she said, "This is really amazing considering Thursday morning we thought there was not much hope."

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Tara Latschar said she was awakened Thursday with word of her husband's shooting.

"It was a shock," she said. "I'd already been asleep and (it was) just a shock."

Medical staff told her Latschar would be on a ventilator for three to four days.

However, he was off the ventilator after 12 hours.

"Paul's spirits are amazing," Tara said. "That's what's gotten him through this in such a fast time. He's such a strong person and he has a lot of support."

Tara Latchar said the support from the community was almost overwhelming.

"Reading those cards from the children really made me emotional," she said.

She said she was grateful for the support from the Omaha Police Department. "Paul's fellow officers have been by his side the whole time," she said.

"I would like to thank all of the Creighton Medical Center surgeons, medical staff, police officers, and the community."

Tara Latschar said her husband wants to keep serving and protecting the people of Omaha.

"He's a police officer," she said. "That's what he will do and he will be back out there very soon."