SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– The Scott County community gathered to give injured Deputy Jaime Morales a hero’s welcome Thursday as he came home from the hospital for the first time since being shot in September.
Morales has a long road to recovery ahead of him, and Thursday that road was lined with people as the procession brought him back to Scott County.
The procession included a large police escort.
Deputy Morales was injured in a gunfight with a serial bank robber from Florida. They were at an I-75 rest area when the shots were fired. Much of the 28-year-old’s body was left paralyzed from the shooting.
Everyone who knows him says he is a fighter, but he doesn’t have to fight this alone. Since the shooting, many people have rallied around the officer. There have been numerous fundraisers and most of Scott County has shown support for #217Strong with t-shirts, posters, cupcakes, and more.
People showing support for Deputy Morales Thursday said that being at the procession was their way of serving him since he served and protected them.
“Just the community coming together, appreciating what he has done for this community, his service, and just everyone coming together and acknowledging, we are all there, we are excited for him to come home,” said high school senior Hannah Cox.
LIVE: Deputy Jaime Morales is headed home! #217Strong
Posted by LEX 18 on Thursday, October 18, 2018
They're ready. Scott Co High students waiting to welcome Deputy #Morales home from the hospital.@LEX18News pic.twitter.com/q3ZT7YzezR
— Leigh Searcy (@LSearcLex) October 18, 2018
Deputy Jaime Morales says THANK YOU! Look what the Scott Co Sheriff just shared from Morales. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/4qJhUQM67W
— Leigh Searcy (@LSearcLex) October 18, 2018
