Thousands line the streets to welcome home paralyzed deputy

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- Paralyzed Scott County Deputy Jaime Morales received a hero’s welcome today as he made his way home for the first time since being shot in the line of duty in September.

Thousands of people in Scott County came together to welcome home Deputy Morales including every single student from Scott County Middle and High School.

Students and people from Scott County lined the street near the high school waving and cheering as Deputy Morales was escorted through Scott County by his brothers in blue.

Morales has been in rehab in Louisville ever since he was shot during a shootout as he tried to help arrest a fugitive off I-75 back in September.

Morales returned home Thursday to thousands of supporters lining his route home.

It’s something the sheriff’s department says it organized to show Morales how much the community still cares.

“I hope he takes it and it keeps him strong in his rehabilitation efforts and I think it has to this point. Just all the hashtag 217 on Facebook and all the different ways people have supported him on social media,” said Scott County Sheriff Tony Hampton.

“I just want to tell him to have faith and he’ll get better. I honestly believe that and um, just have faith,” said Colby Conley, a student at Scott County High School.

“Glad you’re home. Thank you for your service,” said Teri Conner of Estill County.

The Scott County sheriff says Morales still has a long road to recovery but says he’s just happy Morales can continue that recovery at his home surrounded by people who love him.