SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– A Lexington Police officer started organizing local businesses and community members to help build a house for injured Scott County Deputy Jaime Morales. The new home will meet his needs now that he is paralyzed.
Earlier this month, a plot of land was donated and Deputy Morales chose a spot on the property to be his new home.
“Obviously, we have to take into consideration that he is in a wheelchair,” said Lexington Police Officer Ryan Holland. “He wanted a two bedroom cabin. We’ll probably build a three bedroom house so, ’cause, you’ve got to think down the road with kids and getting married.”
Flying Dutchman Properties, the company that donated the land, said they were inspired by what happened and hope to encourage others to donate their time, materials, and services. In less than a week, dozens have reached out wanting to help.
“There’s multiple companies for kind of each thing. So if one of them can’t do it a week, or what I’d really like is for them all just to come together and have a little part,” said Holland.
“And when someone does get injured, protecting their community, and putting them self in front of everyone else, I think the message we try to send is we need to show as much support to that person because he was out there doing a job that a lot of people don’t want to do,” said Scott County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Eddie Hart.
Despite not knowing how to build a home himself, Holland says he has learned its all about rallying the right people.
“You don’t have to have a connection with people to be able to serve them and do good deeds for people,” said Holland.
There are two banks accepting money for support for Jaime and his family. Just go to Kentucky Bank or Whitaker Bank and ask to donate to Jaime Morales.
To donate to the new house and keep up with how it is going, click here.
