Uncle of Deputy Jon Samuelson creates coloring page to rally support for his nephew

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- Support is pouring in from all across Michiana following Friday’s tragic shooting that wounded a La Porte County Sheriff's Deputy.

Deputy Jon Samuelson is in critical, but stable condition after being shot three times in the Franciscan Health Emergency Room in Michigan City.

According to an update on GoFundMe, family says he is off a ventilator, awake, and talking as of the weekend.

The suspect, Sharod Grafton Jr., is now charged with Attempted Murder while the community is coming together to rally support for the 12-year veteran.

"The worst day in our family's lives was on Friday,” says Greg Samuelson, uncle of Deputy Jon Samuelson.

Greg Samuelson says it’s the unthinkable; his nephew being shot and wounded in the line of duty.

Family says Samuelson put himself in the line of fire between the shooter and hospital staff.

"This is something you see in the movies,” Greg Samuelson says.

He tells ABC57 his nephew’s road to recovery looks long, but promising.

“Right now, we don’t know if Jon will be able to walk again, but first we’re just glad he’s with us,” says Greg Samuelson. "It's obvious that God's hand was there."

Several fundraising and donation efforts have been started across Michiana; from meal trains to benefit motorcycle rides, and donation jars set up inside local restaurants.

“It’s everything from helping to deal with insurance paperwork to obviously finances and things like this. It’s a life changing, altering event here,” says Joe Haney, La Porte County Commissioner.

Commissioner Haney was at Memorial Hospital Friday as Deputy Samuelson underwent critical treatment.

He is putting together a care coordination team to help the family through insurance paperwork.

“Every single aspect of community support and everything we can do to help to try and less the burden, it’s the least we can do,” Haney says.

At the La Porte Community School Corporation, their Kindness Crew is encouraging students to wear blue and donate one-dollar Wednesday to the Samuelson family.

“It’s a great way for our kids to end the year strong, just showing love and just supporting the family. And showing they can make a difference,” says Melissa Mrozinski and Laurie Scroggin of the La Porte Community Schools Kindness Crew.

A teacher at La Porte Middle School, Greg Samuelson got the idea to create a coloring page to help rally support from all ages for his nephew.

It's inspired by a photo getting shared online of Deputy Samuelson and his K-9 Bosco.

The goal is to have colored photos line the windows of downtown, starting with Greg's own shop on State Street.

“When my window fills up, I’ve already talked to several businesses we’re just going to keep putting them in their windows,” says Greg Samuelson.

He hopes to put a positive spin on the tragedy that shook the community, and his family.

"Whatever happens, just to bring comfort and joy to my nephew, and a little hope and support,” Greg Samuelson says.

All you have to do to participate is print out the coloring page, color it in and write your get well wishes to Deputy Samuelson at the bottom, and drop it off at any of the following locations: Bennett’s Up Towne shoppes, Bethany Church, Garwood Orchards.