Tunnel to Towers Foundation to Deliver Mortgage-Free Smart Home to Injured Scott County Deputy

Deputy Jamie Morales was injured in a 2018 shootout

GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY [May 16, 2025] — On Thursday, May 15, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomed United States Marine Corps Corporal and Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Jaime Morales into his new, mortgage-free, smart home.

Deputy Morales came to this country at 13 years old from Colombia. He enlisted in the Marines in 2011 because of the stability, educational, and financial opportunities it offered. After Morales’ time with the Marines was complete, he began a new journey as a Deputy with the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

On September 11th, 2018, Deputy Morales responded with the SWAT Team to try and apprehend a suspected serial bank robber parked at a Scott County rest stop.

Deputy Morales and his team approached the car, the suspect produced a weapon, shots were fired, and he was struck by a bullet fired from another officer. He was inches away from dying, as the bullet hit his T1 spinal nerve, leaving him paralyzed.

In the years since, Deputy Morales has participated in competitive Olympic-level shooting. He is training to make Team USA in 2026 after just missing out on qualifying for the Paralympic Games in Paris. He also offers guidance and advice to those with similar injuries who want to start working out through his TikTok, @217Strong, which boasts nearly 40 thousand followers.

For years, Deputy Morales has struggled in housing that does not meet his day-to-day needs. That will end on Thursday, as Tunnel to Towers hands over the keys to his new mortgage-free smart home.

“It’s going to change my life…I can be more independent, I can shower easily on my own,” said Deputy Morales. Adding, “I can’t wait to cook breakfast for myself, and have room for gym equipment, and a place for my dogs to run around.“

The Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program builds specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes that help our most catastrophically injured first responders and Veterans.
These homes feature zero thresholds, motorized doors, and keyless entry for easier access. The homes’ lights, temperature, security, and sound system can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or touch screens throughout the house. Wide doors, hallways, and bathrooms are designed for easy navigation.
For more information and to support our mission of building homes for America’s heroes, visit T2T.org. Join us in making a difference by donating just $11 per month.