x
Breaking News
More () »

Forsyth County thankful as deputy recovers from Ga. 400 wreck

Forsyth County Deputy Rod Reeves remains in the hospital days after he was seriously injured in the line of duty, and though he may not be home with his family for the holiday, the community is telling him thank you in a big way.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Deputy Rod Reeves

A Forsyth County Sheriff's Office deputy, severely injured while on duty this past weekend when a suspected drunk driver slammed into him on Georgia 400, is still on the mend.

Deputy First Class Rod Reeves remains in the hospital, hoping--along with his family--that he will be back home during the Thanksgiving weekend. And the community is embracing Deputy Reeves and his family with appreciation in a very big way.

"They just want to help," said fundraiser Brenda Howell of Billy Howell Ford in Forsyth County. "And when they call, they just say, 'Tell us what we can do to help.'"

Forsyth County Sheriff's Deputy Rod Reeves

Howell says she is overwhelmed with gratitude as she helps to organize support for Reeves and his family. She says the deputy's friends and neighbors, along with people from all over Forsyth County and across the nation--people Deputy Reeves has never met--are contacting her to make sure he and his family recover.

RELATED | Forsyth County deputy seriously injured in wreck on Georgia 400

"Some of my donations are from Florida," she said. "Some are from Atlanta, Dawsonville, Forsyth County, so they're coming from all over."

The donations are pouring in to the non-profit, tax-deductible foundation that supports Forsyth County law enforcement, called BADGE. Nearly $5,000 so far, and that money--along with additional money already in the fund, donated by individuals and corporations--is going directly, and 100 percent, to Deputy Reeves and his family. It is money they will be able to use toward their mounting bills, for expenses that insurance does not cover, for the weeks and months of recovery that Dep. Reeves is facing with the help of his wife and three young sons. Mm

"People here are showing such an outpouring of love for him," Howell said. "It tells you that we are appreciative and we're thankful. And I think that we're all very blessed to have people that are protecting us like they are."

That's why there is a new clarity to this year's Thanksgiving holiday for Deputy Reeves, his family, and the whole community.

PHOTOS | Forsyth Co. Deputy seriously injured in wreck

Have a news tip? Email news@11alive.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out