Deputies help 70-year-old blind, homeless veteran
By Joyce Ogirri
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — In the aftermath of a winter storm, Louisville has seen more than icy roads and bitter cold—it’s seen quiet acts of compassion unfolding downtown.
Gregory Chest is a familiar face to many who work or pass through the area. An Army veteran, he’s often seen pushing carts filled with everything he owns, moving carefully from block to block. What many don’t see are the people making sure he’s not forgotten.
For years, Gregory has been part of the downtown landscape. Those who know him describe him as proud, quiet, and respectful. He’s blind and pushes three carts, a difficult task even in good weather.
“He’s 70 years old. He’s blind. He’s got three carts that he struggles to move from block to block,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chad Murrell.
Murrell says Gregory takes pride in his service, often draping an American flag towel over his carts.
“He’s very proud of this country and very proud of his service,” Murrell said.
Murrell checks on Gregory regularly, sometimes daily, not as part of enforcement, but simply to make sure he’s okay.
“I think we’re friends. Being blind, he may not recognize faces, but he recognizes voices,” Murrell said.
Independently, Madonna Barnes, a civilian employee with the sheriff’s office, felt compelled to help as well.
“I just felt the need to help him,” Barnes said.
Barnes and her mother began buying Gregory groceries and bringing them to him a couple of times each month, small gestures that made a difference.
Only later did Barnes and Murrell realize they had been helping the same man.
Murrell says Gregory’s story reflects something bigger happening downtown, people quietly looking out for one another.
“In my experience with Gregory, business owners, police officers, deputies, people try to look out for him and others when they see someone needing help,” Murrell said.
For Barnes, it’s about simple humanity.
“If I can help one person have a better day, that’s all I can do,” she said.
As Gregory pushes his carts through downtown streets, the sound echoes a reminder that, behind the harsh winter conditions, compassion is still moving through the city.
“There are still human beings out here, especially in weather like this,” he said. “It’s important that everybody tries to offer a helping hand. It’s the right thing to do,” Murrell said.
With dangerous conditions lingering, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says deputies have been checking on people experiencing homelessness and working to connect them with shelters and resources.
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