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Portage County Sheriff's deputy speaks for the first time after being set on fire

Jay Brannon threw an ignited can of flammable liquid at Sgt. Acklin, burning more than 20 percent of his body.

A severely burned Portage County Sheriff’s deputy says the love and support from the community got him through difficult times.

Last month on Valentine’s Day, Sergeant Jim Acklin and other officers were attempting to serve a warrant at an address in Rootstown, where suspect Jay Brannon, 49, was located.

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office says as officers made contact with Brannon, he threw an ignited can of flammable liquid at the officers, which hit Acklin and burned more than 20 percent of his body.

RELATED: Deputy suffers severe burns after being set on fire by suspect during arrest in Rootstown

Brannon has been charged multiple felony counts, including attempted murder. He was taken into custody and is currently being held in a Portage County Jail.

Sgt. Acklin suffered second and third degree burns on more than 20 percent of his body, which required surgery. He spent more than two weeks in the hospital.

Over his 23-year career, he says nothing could prepare him for what happened.

"Never trained for somebody throwing fire on me."

For the first time, Sgt. Acklin opens up about the day that changed his life.

"Me and my wife have had some very emotional days,” Sgt. Acklin told Channel 3's Ray Strickland. “It was tough. It was tough.”

He says the road to recovery was not easy. Sgt. Acklin added the community’s support was one of many prescriptions that helped ease the pain.

"[From the whole day care to] the whole school dropping off cards for me. it's just been unbelievable,” he said.

People from Portage County and beyond have been with him every step of the way. Since the incident, donations have poured in for the officer

RELATED: Community rallies around Portage County deputy who was set on fire on Valentine’s Day

At a benefit dinner at Rootstown Elementary School on Saturday, more donations were collected for the officer. There was a basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing. The money collected will go to Sgt. Acklin and his family. One of the organizers said they possibly raised around $10,000

“They’re coming for the cause because they know it’s a good cause and they want to help support him,” said Joe Paulus, VP of the Rootstown Lion Club and township trustee. “That’s what community is all about.”

When Sgt. Acklin walked through the doors of the school’s cafeteria, he received a standing ovation. It was the first time he got a chance to thank the community in person. 

 “I said I had to come in and see everybody that has been pulling for me,” he said as he held back tears.

He says his injuries are healing and he is feeling well. Sgt. Acklin, who is set to retire at the end of April, says he is ready to get back to work. He added, he wants to patrol the streets for at least a week or so before he takes his final ride.

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