DEL VALLE, Texas — An ATV accident last summer left Austin Police Sergeant Tammy Barrett paralyzed from the waist down.
Friday morning, dozens of people gathered to thank her for her service.
"I may have lost the ability to do something like walk or run, but the blessings that have come to me since this are amazing," Sgt. Barrett said.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Del Valle to start construction of her new wheelchair accessible home.
"I'm so thankful and blessed, and I love each and every one of you more than you know," Sgt. Barrett said.
Last August, while on a vacation trip in New Mexico, Sgt. Barrett was pinned under an ATV for several hours before emergency crews could finally free her.
"My ribs have healed and the only thing I have a problem with now is my clavicle," Sgt. Barrett said.
The nonprofit group "Operation Finally Home" is now helping her live life on her own again.
"It just takes such a burden off of their lives. They've been giving so much." Dan Wallrath, president and founder of Operation Finally Home, said. "To give them a home mortgage free, it means so much help them out so they can heal physically, emotionally and spiritually."
"Being able to move to my own house with a refrigerator and cook my own food gives me independence," Sgt. Barrett said. "Thank you from my heart, thank you."
The wheelchair accessible home will be paid for by the organization, and is expected to be complete by the beginning of Fall 2019.
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