Community Rallies Around Injured Pottawatomie County Deputy

A community is rallying together to support a Pottawatomie County deputy who was shot several times in the line of duty.

McCloud police officers set up shop in front of a Lowe's in Shawnee collecting donations and preparing over 500 burritos. All donations will go towards Deputy Garey Knoles medical expenses. Knoles responded to a domestic call a week ago. Investigators said 27-year-old Braedon Chesser shot Knoles seven times.

“When an officer takes around, he's taking that for my family, he's taking that for every one of our families. He gets up in the morning not knowing if he'll be able to come that night. That's a reality,” Wes Elliot, McCloud Police Chief said.

The Knoles family said he is still in the hospital but in good condition. They're hoping he can come next week.

“I'm so thankful that he made it through surgery, I’m so thankful that he is alive, and I’m so thankful for all of the community support,” Chief Elliot said.

Pam Cook said she's a family friend and was shocked when she learned the name of the deputy shot.

“When I heard what was going on I was a little concerned because I do live out in Bethel and it was just a couple hours later that we discovered that he was the son to a lady that belongs to our quilt guild and so that really hurt my heart,” Cook said.

Cook wishes Knoles has a speedy recovery along with dozens of law enforcement agencies from all over Oklahoma that stopped by the benefit breakfast to show their support.

For more information on how you can help Knoles as he recovers, CLICK HERE.