(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WVLT) The family of Tucker Blakely, a fallen Tennessee deputy sheriff, received a life-changing gift this week from the Tunnel To Towers Foundation.
The mortgage on their family home was paid off and Tucker Blakely’s wife, Katarina Blakely, said “Having our mortgage paid off means we can continue to celebrate holidays and life in the home Tucker and I built together – small, modest, but full of love; same as our family,”
Katarina Blakely said her husband’s legacy was to fuel the light of others and that he was happiest when he saw those he loved succeed.
“Deputy Blakely spent his life making an impact on his country as a medic, and his community as a deputy. His life was senselessly cut short while answering a call for help. He continued to save lives even after his passing as an organ donor. We are honored to keep our promise to honor America’s heroes by ensuring the families they leave behind will always have a place to call home,” said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller.
Blakely was just 29 when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute on Oct. 2, 2023.
The KCSO honors his memory every year with the ‘Tucker Blakely Memorial Award’ given to one officer in the patrol graduating class who demonstrates the fallen deputy’s values of character, altruism, benevolence and professionalism.
