Injured Firefighter Welcomed Home with Outpouring of Support

TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) After spending more than 20 years protecting his community, a local firefighter is now leaning on that same community for support.

Jay was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that changed his life. Now recovering and preparing to return home, he’s facing a new chapter filled with adjustments — including learning to navigate life in a wheelchair.

For his family, the moment they learned about the crash was heartbreaking.

“It was just devastating,” Jay’s brother said. “When I heard that he had wrecked and then when I did get to see him, it hurt a lot because me and him were really close. He was always willing to help me, and I kind of feel helpless because I couldn’t help him.”

Those who know Jay say putting others first has always been part of who he is.

“He is always thinking of others above himself,” his brother Nathan Sanders said. “And all these folks coming together to help him — he keeps saying, ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve done nothing wrong.’ But he’s devoted 20-plus years to this community.”

Now, neighbors and fellow first responders are making sure he feels that same dedication in return.

A homecoming house shower is being organized to help stock Jay’s home with the essentials he’ll need as he adjusts. Organizers say he needs just about everything — from household supplies to items that will help make his space wheelchair accessible.

“Jay’s situation, especially him coming home and having to start all over, especially with his house and everything — that’s why we’re all trying to reach out as much as we can to get his house ready for him,”  local paramedic Tim Prater said. “He was very active, always going and always helping everybody. And now we’re trying to get him home to a house that’s accessible for him.”

On February 22, neighbors will gather at the Plainview Community Center — not just to drop off gifts, but to show their gratitude for the years Jay spent serving them.