Couple donates new van to paralyzed police officer
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PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland police officer who was paralyzed in a training accident last year now has a new wheelchair-accessible van, thanks to a local couple’s generosity.
Officer Paul Meyer was taking part in ATV training when a tree fell on him last fall. Three weeks ago, Meyer was honored for 20 years of service at a special ceremony.
Ron Villenave and his wife said they wanted to help Meyer, so they bought him a new Toyota Sienna van. The van has room for a wheelchair, and will soon have customized steering wheel controls so Meyer can drive.
Villenave, who is a retired Marine, said he met Meyer once about two years ago during a traffic stop. He said they talked for about five minutes, and that was enough for him to recognize Meyer when he recently saw him on the news.
“During that brief meeting he was just a super nice guy,” said Villenave. “When you look in somebody’s eyes, and you can see care, that says a lot.”
Villenave and Meyer plan to meet once Meyer has a chance to spend more time with his family.
Finally some good news. There is some humanity left. It seems those reporting the news try to see how many people per broadcast can be filled with hopelessness and despair. Both exceptional people.
I'm so glad this is real! I saw on Facebook that people were sharing a note written by a car salesman about this, but I didn't share it since you never know what you can believe on there. But knowing it really happened makes my day!
Ron, your a heart driven man we can all be humbled by, we commend you and hope this story inspires others if not giving a van to just be kind, see how they may help smooth the way, Blessings
What a wonderful thing to do!
Exactly just what a MILLIONAIRE disabled cop needs...
 @August100 You are HEARTLESS! You are the most insensitive jerk i have ever come across. Karma will come & bite you for talking like that.
I hope ths story stays up for awhle so people can truly see what type of person August 100 is.
@August100 -Â Congratulations...you win the Gitterdone award for today...as you were;-)
 @August100 there are only two words that one can remark to you and your post A_ s H_L E.....Wow, you are truly a smelly one at that
 @August100 Hardly a millionaire. Yea he makes a decent wage (as all cops should). In 2011, after 5 years, a Portland police officer makes just over $73K a year for putting his life on the line every day. You're an insensitive tool.Â
We could all take notice and learn from this. Big or small, acts of kindness do abound and we should find good in everyday and each other. Thank you Villenave Family, you have touched so many with your kindness.
There are good people out there, we just don't hear enough about them. Way to go Ron Villenave and wife.
 @lizz So sad that our culture lives for doom & gloom and when good things happen it barely makes press and I am glad to be part of KATU for making it real!!
Absolutely the best compassionate thing I've heard lately. God bless you folks for you generosity, thoughtfulness .......it's just fabulous.
 @Rob C 503 Hear, hear!! I quit blogging on a nationwide basis because I realized that I can no longer waste my energy against The Kenyan & D.C. and will henceforth look for the good in folks during these times ahead...
@boned ....good for you, boned. You've got a lot to offer. Remember that!
May God bless that couple and good karma come back on them tenfold!
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 @Fed up Fed Sir, could this be a start of folks coming together instead of ...
Life is still beautiful.
This is cool :) Nice to hear that there is still some good.
Another super nice charitable gesture. Hats off to Ron Villenave and his wife. What a selfless act of kindness.
That is fantastic...a "feel-good" story that really IS..! Â Â :-)
 @margay1 I was reading this on facebook last night. It was awesome to read. I'm glad this finally made the news here! Â
Nice (wiping tears...)
 @leapfrogger As am I after reading the article and comments...
What a wonderful thing to do. Every now and then somebody goes and proves that there are still some good people out there.
That is so cool! What a wonderful thing to do.