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Indianapolis Police Foundation announces new fund for injured officers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An official announcement was issued on Wednesday from the newly formed Indianapolis Police Foundation (IPF) about the ‘Code One’ fund.

The IPF established the fund to provide resources to traumatically injured officers.

The fund has raised $34,000 to help build IMPD Ofc. Santos Cortez a safe and accessible home.

In June 2012, Cortez was struck by a drunk driver. He was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the accident.

Since then, he has had more than 20 surgeries, and he’s been in the hospital for 34 months.

His dream of being a police officer was cut short in an instant, though these past few years his new dream has been to have some level of independence, despite his injuries.

“The only thing (Cortez) ever wanted to be was a police officer,” said his wife, Fran Cortez.

Dane Nutty, the executive director of the Indianapolis Police Foundation said he is looking forward to helping the Cortez family move into an accessible home.

“It’s certainly a large challenge,” said Nutty. “But one we feel confident with, with partners like WISH-TV, we can accomplish and reach our goal.”

City-county councilor Christine Scales and the Fraternal Order Police president Rick Snyder talked about the importance of this cause.

“I think it’s really imperative for the entire community,” said Scales. “(For them to) come out and show they are willing to give back in a very generous way in support of our officers.”

“IPF is focused on law enforcement throughout Indiana,” said Snyder. “So, when you have someone watching this and they say ‘Hey, I live in Brownsburg, or I live in Greenfield or Martinsville. Why would I want to support this program that only help Indianapolis police officers?’ That’s not the case. It’s designed to be able to help those officers in their own neighborhoods and communities.”

Through the Indy Police Foundation partnership, 24-Hour News 8 will have exclusive coverage as workers build a new handicap accessible home for the Cortez family.

Donations can be made directly to the fund by clicking here.