Mount Vernon police officer Mike McClaughry was moved out of the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Wednesday night as his condition improves, police Lt. Chris Cammock said.

McClaughry, a 31-year veteran of the force, was shot while responding to a call about another shooting Dec. 15. One man and two teens have been charged with attempted murder in the shooting.

McClaughry is now on another floor of the hospital and his condition has been changed from critical to stable, but serious, Cammock said.

“I think it just continues to be the encouraging news we hope for,” he said.

Although McClaughry is still unable to speak, Cammock said McClaughry gave a thumbs up when asked by a doctor how he was doing.

Although progress is being made, Cammock said it is important to remain realistic about McClaughry’s recovery.

“There is still a long road ahead,” Cammock said. “We are still talking about head trauma.”