Officer Matt Cooper begins therapy and rehabilitation

ATLANTA - There's good news in the recovery efforts of Officer Matt Cooper.

On Thursday, Cooper's medical team at the Shepherd Center's Intensive Care Unit said they are "pleased with his progress" and have transferred him into the center's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.

He will now begin therapy and where he'll be "under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists," according to the Shepherd Center. 

Cooper was transferred to the Shepherd Center last week.

Medical and rehabilitation teams at Shepherd Center typically include the following: an attending physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, recreation therapist, case manager, peer support specialist, dietitian, and psychologist.

RELATED: Officer Matt Cooper transferred to Atlanta's Shepherd Center

This comes after an announcement Thursday that said Officer Cooper has been responding to questions by the squeeze of a hand and even waved to his nurse as she left the room.

Cooper was shot in the head on Monday, September 3, while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart. He underwent surgery two weeks ago at Grady Memorial Hospital to relieve swelling on his brain. 

MORE: Covington Police: Officer Cooper's progress is 'impressive'

The police department also said Officer Cooper's condition remains serious, asking everyone to continue praying for him and his family. 

In a news release from September 13, the Shepherd Center said Officer Cooper's family said they're grateful for the excellent care he received at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and then at Grady Memorial Hospital.

RELATED: How to help Covington Police Officer Cooper

On Thursday, the Covington Police Department announced on their Facebook page that Walmart donated $10,000 to Officer Cooper. 

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Officer Cooper's medical-related expenses: click here