NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A baby who has become known as Baby Daniel was taken off a ventilator at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on Saturday.

Video: Community Shocked By Alleged Baby Abuse

The 11-month-old baby has been in a coma since officers were called to his home by his father, Thomas Snelling, last Sunday afternoon. Snelling told a 911 dispatcher before officers arrived that Daniel was “trying to stop breathing” on him.

Police said they didn't know at the time of the call that the toddler was hit by his father in a fit of rage because he was crying. Police said that when they confronted Snelling, he confessed.

Daniel is breathing on his own, but he has no brain wave activity. Police said the abuse he withstood was too much for his brain to take.

One of the two Portland police officers responding to the call for help said he will carry the day with him for the rest of his life.

“I took it home, and it’s probably going to be with me the rest of my life. I mean, this is something that’s going to follow my career. It’s definitely going to be something I remember Baby Daniel over,” said Officer Kurtis McKelvey.

Snelling later admitted to slamming Daniel’s head against the bottom of a crib so hard it cracked the wood, police said.

McKelvey held the child in his arms.

“It kind of touches you when you hold a lifeless child in your hands. And we just try to keep up to date on him and make sure everything’s going good,” he said.

Police also said that Snelling has anger problems. An area resident said his grifriend saw Snelling toss Daniel recklessly into a car seat some weeks ago.

“He put him and just about threw him in the car seat. He just kind of sat him down really hard. And I wish she had told me, because I would have went up and talked to him,” he said.

According to police, Daniel has been off the ventilator since Saturday, and he’s still breathing on his own. They said he must be a fighter.

Four other children – ages 3 to 10 – also lived in the house and are now in Department of Children’s Services’ custody.

DCS representatives said they can’t talk about the case, but they said that any child in an abusive situation is taken to a safe environment immediately, which means foster care. Beyond that, DCS will turn to family members or longer-term foster care, and in some cases adoption.

McKelvey said the images of a child struggling to live and the awful condition inside the home will stay with him.

“You couldn’t even see the floor. There were cigarette butts all over the place. There was clothing everywhere. It didn’t look like they’ve been flushing the toilets. … I mean, it was just the worst that I’ve ever seen as a police officer,” he said.

Portland police said Daniel’s grandfather visits him in the hospital every day. He did not want to talk but said he is praying and hoping for a miracle.

Snelling faces aggravated child abuse charges, which is one step below murder.

Channel 4 has received dozens of e-mails and phone calls from viewers who want to help. But while the children are in DCS custody, the state cannot accept donations.