LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of the heroes of last year's shooting at Old National Bank needs your help.

Officer Nick Wilt was one of the first to respond to the scene and probably saved lives.

But he was also shot in the head so his road to recovery is still very long and that's why he needs your support.

"The thing that strikes me the most is he's three days out of the police academy," Amanda Lunte, who's retired from the Louisville Metro Police Department, said.

He was fresh out of the police academy but one of the first to respond to reports of a mass shooting at Old National Bank.

Nick Wilt Feb update 3.jpg

The family of Louisville Metro Police Officer Nick Wilt provided an update on his recovery on Feb. 21, 2024.

"So his bravery is admirable," Lunte said.

Lunte is no longer with the department but continues to support the men and women of LMPD like officer Wilt.

"Even though I'm retired, I donate out of my check every month to the foundation because I know how important the work is that they do," Lunte said.

The Louisville Metro Police Foundation's work includes financial support for heroes like officer Wilt.

"We have seen a decline in that as time has passed," Rebecca Grignon-Reker, executive director of the LMPD Foundation, said.

"We do need support for Nick to be ongoing," Grignon-Reker said. "Nick has a lifetime ahead of him."

Sure, there was plenty of support after the shooting.

"We did see a very large outpouring of support that continued with a lot of community events," she said. "And I know the Wilt family is very grateful."

Since then, Wilt has been released from the hospital and has even made a few public appearances but he still needs the public's help.

"And I'm hoping that he wakes up tomorrow and he is good to go and he's back on the department," Grignon-Reker said. "But the reality of his injuries are is that he is still fighting."

Grignon-Reker said no amount of financial support is too small.

"I think a lot of times people think well I only have $2, I only have $5. So, it's not going to make a difference. I'm not going to do it. If we all gave $2 ... we can support him for the rest of his life," Grignon-Reker said.

Amanda Lunte finished her career in the First Division.

"Had I not been retired, we would ... I would have been there," Lunte said.

So she understands and appreciates the sacrifice made by Wilt.

"Right out of the bat he got the worst call any of us could ever get," Lunte said. "Which would be an active shooter that just is not something any of us have ever hoped we have to deal with."

To donate to the foundation, click here.

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