Group steps up to help first responders, like injured GSP trooper

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - One foundation created to help deputies hurt in the line of duty is pulling back operations as a new organization is stepping up, in light of the recent wrong-way crash that injured a Georgia State Patrol trooper.

Shields and Ladders is a newer nonprofit.

As of early last year, it’s been here to help all first responders across the CSRA.

When the group heard about Friday’s crash involving a wrong-way driver that injured a trooper, the group wanted to help.

“We found that throughout the years of working with law enforcement, sometimes there are cases that come up that something is not covered either by the insurance company, or whatever organization you’re dealing with,” said organizer Theopelis Knight.

“And you may need help in that area, such as flying a parent in to take care of the children while you recover or house cleaning or whatever. Whatever that need is going to be for the first responders, so we can get them healthy and back on the road, protecting the communities.”

The group is willing to help any first responders, like firefighters, deputies, jailers, emergency medical workers and others.

“We’re new, relatively new, so we have limited funding,” Knight said. “So we try to pick and choose where the most help is needed.”

And right now, the group plans to help trooper Zach Walker, who is dealing with serious injuries from the wrong-way crash on Riverwatch Parkway.

“When we found out about the gentleman that just had that head-on collision, you know, I reached out to the Georgia State Patrol post here in this area,” Knight said.

So the group is calling on the community to also step up so they can help people like Walker, and others in the future

“We’re gonna go forward, and we got to ask the community to help us out,” Knight said.

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