LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Louisville Metro Police officer Nick Wilt's road to recovery has not always been smooth.

That's why the Louisville Metro Police Foundation has been there to help and support the Wilt family.

"I am so blessed to be part of the community putting their arms around the Wilts," said Rebecca Grignon Reker, executive director of Louisville Metro Police Foundation.

For the last 12 months, Grignon Reker has formed a bond with Officer Wilt and his family.

Grignon Reker said, "Jennifer and I talk a few times a week."

"Rebecca and I bonded right away because we're both widows obviously," said Jennifer Wilt, Officer Wilt's mother. "My husband died in a very different way and more recently, so we bonded right away on that because that's something you just you don't want to have in common, but you do."

Grignon Reker is executive director of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation and the widow of fallen hero -- Officer Peter Grignon. She said, "It's amazing to be able to carry on Peter's legacy by blessing another law enforcement family because that's what we're supposed to do is look out for each other."

And these days, Rebecca spends a lot of time looking out for the Wilt.

"When I first met him, he was in a hospital bed. And now his eyes are sparkling. He's making jokes. He's giving people high fives. I mean, there's a world of difference and it's miraculous," said Grignon Reker.

Last April, Officer Wilt was one of the first to respond to the mass shooting at Old National Bank. It was his fourth day on the job, but there was no hesitation from Officer Wilt.

Grignon Reker said, "These are our heroes. These are people that go out every day ready to make the supreme sacrifice for us. They run into danger while we're all running out. And that's what Nick did for us."

Officer Wilt has spent the last year recovering after being shot in the head. He has also received several awards and honors.

"I would have to say, like community support has been amazing through stuff we've seen on Facebook stuff we've seen even people out and about," said Alex Wilt, Officer Wilt's brother.

From banners to t-shirts and more, a lot of that community support has been facilitated by the police foundation.

Zack Wilt is Officer Wilt's twin and said, "They have absolutely been there for us every second we need them. And it's been a huge stress off of us knowing that we have somebody out there looking out for us and all aspects."

"I never in my life would have expected the support we had and I don't know how we would have gotten through it with without all of that support," said Jennifer Wilt.

"I am really blessed to have the chance to pay forward what people gave to me. It says, I think in the Bible, comfort others with the comfort that you've been given," said Grignon Reker.

Although Officer Wilt continues to make improvements, doctors say he still has a long road ahead.

"The Wilt's lives are forever changed," said Rebecca. "Nick is doing amazing, he's making great steps, but he's going to need support for a really long time. So people can support financially through the Police Foundation and has fun there."

Rebecca says donations are important but not the only way to help support Officer Wilt and his family.

She said, "They can support by sending good thoughts and prayers. And we've heard him talk and his family talk over and over about what the comments and the cards mean. They read every comment on every Facebook post."

To donate to Officer Wilt through the Police Foundation, click here.

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