He was one of three firefighters injured when their fire engine crashed on the way to a fatal accident on the West Virginia Turnpike.

Two firefighters were killed in the accident.

Monday, family members said Walker showed small signs of improvement and even gave a thumbs up. Friends of the family tell WSAZ they are cautiously hopeful.

The ruling, contained in an opinion by Senior Judge William H. Platt, marks a win for Wisconsin-based Seagrave Fire Apparatus LLC and a loss for Admiral Insurance Co.  

Platt found that, contrary to Admiral's claims, the insurer owes Seagrave coverage for some of the 455 or so hearing loss suits filed nationwide.

Firefighters contend in those cases that loud sirens used on their trucks have caused irreversible damage to their hearing. Some of them are seeking damages for injuries they say began with exposure to the sirens' blare in the 1960s.

The first of its kind for the Fire Department, the 2017 Pierce Manufacturing truck replaces a 24-year-old truck at a fire station on Santa Venetia Street near Otay Ranch High School.

At almost 58 feet long and 37 tons, the truck includes battery-operated extrication tools known as “jaws of life” and a 100-foot-long ladder capable of extending the length of seven stories.  

Geering said the truck has safety features such as improved braking capabilities, reflective strips and LED lighting. He said it also meets emissions standards, making it safer for the environment and firefighters.

The fully outfitted truck, with fire radios and other communication equipment, cost about $1.4 million. It was purchased with funds from Measure P, a 10-year, half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.