Overview
- Deputy Tim Putney, hurt in 2017 during an arrest in Wichita Falls, shared at National Police Week that three spine surgeries last year restored his mobility and hope.
- Workers’ compensation did not cover the operation he needed, which left him in crippling pain and cost him his job until a nonprofit arranged care.
- The Wounded Blue connected Putney with Dr. Ehsan Jazini at the Virginia Spine Institute, who took on his complex case after other options fell short.
- An anonymous benefactor has given nearly $3 million over six years to fund treatments through the nonprofit, known to its founder only as a voice on the phone.
- After recovery, Putney joined the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office as a detective sergeant and K‑9 officer, and the nonprofit now says it will commit another $3 million over the next six years to help more first responders.