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Deputy Jaime Morales Thankful For Community Who Supported Him

Posted at 6:30 PM, Nov 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-22 18:33:52-05

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– In a moment of bravery, Scott County Deputy Jaime Morales was shot, sacrificing his life as he knew it. This Thanksgiving, Morales is opening up about how he is doing and what he is thankful for.

Deputy Jaimes Morales lives to make the most of every day, and his drive and determination served him well in the United States Marines.

“They definitely ingrain that in us, no matter the situation, to always come up on top,” he told LEX 18’s Leigh Searcy.

Morales excelled in marksmanship and martial arts. He also became a certified rescue swimmer.

To continue his desire to serve, he transitioned into law enforcement.

Now more than ever, his life motto holds true.

“To adapt and overcome, that comes back from the Marine Corp,” said Morales.

The 28-year-old’s life changed on September 11, 2018. He was shot while going after a serial bank robber. His injury left him paralyzed, for now.

“At the beginning, it was obviously very emotional. Your whole life just changed, you’re wondering what’s going to happen,” said Morales.

It’s been more than two months since the shooting. Morales does rehab five days a week.

“We have seen some improvement, but we’ve also regressed in some areas, but we’re fighting through it,” said Morales.

Morales is adapting and he is setting goals.

“I kinda had to set some new ones, but as of right now, to get back on my feet, if possible, and eventually go back to work, hopefully as a police officer,” said Morales. “And if not, then I’ll make the best of the situation.”

Morales is thankful for the community that has backed him up since day one. His 217 Strong supporters.

He said his homecoming was nothing he ever expected. People lined the roads to welcome the deputy home.

“It was almost like a dream, I couldn’t really register everything,” said Morales. “Just everybody yelling, screaming, that I’ll never forget.”

“I think that on a day like today, Thanksgiving, it’s the best time to give thanks to the community, my family, and my girlfriend that have been there for me,” he told LEX 18.

Morales is thankful for #217Strong.

“That number has become like a part of me. So when I see it anywhere, it’s like seeing myself there. I hope I represented it to the best of my ability,” he said.