By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/5/09
It seems that as each day passes with injured Cape Coral motorcycle officer Damien Garcia fighting to recover from an accident, the support of officers and his community only becomes stronger and more organized.
The Fraternal Order of Police in Cape Coral has set up a "Special Needs Account" at TIB Bank for Garcia's family in response to the community's outspoken desire to help.
According to city spokesperson Connie Barron, "Officers with the Cape Coral Police Department have been receiving calls from various individuals and groups asking how they can donate funds to help assist the family of critically-injured Cape Coral Police Officer Damien Garcia."
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon, and he was trauma-alerted to Lee Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. As he remained in critical condition Thursday, Garcia's family from Miami stayed in Fort Myers to support him.
The Special Needs Account, Barron said, will offer monetary aid to Garcia's family. Family members have not requested assistance, however the account has been opened for those who feel a need to help.
"The family of Officer Garcia and the officers with the Cape Coral Police Department appreciate all the kind words and support offered by the citizens of Cape Coral, and our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement community," she said. "Let's stay positive and keep Officer Garcia in our prayers."
Those wishing to donate can do so by cash or check at any TIB Bank location to the Special Needs Account, C/O FOP Lodge 33.
Showing posts with label officer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label officer. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Motorcycle officer remains in hospital after Tuesday crash; Authorities: Still critical
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/4/09
If tragedy reveals one's true colors, the blue and yellow striped Cape Coral police cruisers crowding the Lee Memorial Hospital parking lot reveal a lot about the city's officers, who are visiting critically injured motorcycle officer Damien Garcia around the clock.
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on rain-soaked Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. He was trauma alerted to the hospital.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich is among those visiting Garcia in his hospital room and praying for his health.
"We're not talking more than 24 hours since this occurred, so we're still in the onset of a terrible tragedy," he said. "I stayed here until about 2:30 in the morning and it seemed bleak at that time."
Garcia remains critical, but Petrovich said there was reason for relative optimism Wednesday afternoon.
"I came in this morning and we were a little more optimistic," he said. "There's hope. As long as there's hope and he's still alive, we need to keep him in our prayers and thoughts, but it's been a roller coaster."
Officers are keeping vigil with Garcia and members of the public, and other agencies have left messages and telephone calls in support of his recovery.
"Sometimes the little things can help along the way and make a difference," Petrovich said. "You want to come here, you want to be near it, you want to somehow feel you're making a difference."
Aside from his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, Garcia's family members came to see him as well.
Garcia has been an officer with the Cape Coral Police Department since February 2006.
"A good officer, well thought of by his peer group," Petrovich said. "I don't know what else to say about Damien other than the fact that he's in our prayers and we want him to get well again and come back."
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/4/09
If tragedy reveals one's true colors, the blue and yellow striped Cape Coral police cruisers crowding the Lee Memorial Hospital parking lot reveal a lot about the city's officers, who are visiting critically injured motorcycle officer Damien Garcia around the clock.
Garcia's motorcycle collided with an SUV on rain-soaked Cultural Park Boulevard Tuesday afternoon. He was trauma alerted to the hospital.
Police Chief Rob Petrovich is among those visiting Garcia in his hospital room and praying for his health.
"We're not talking more than 24 hours since this occurred, so we're still in the onset of a terrible tragedy," he said. "I stayed here until about 2:30 in the morning and it seemed bleak at that time."
Garcia remains critical, but Petrovich said there was reason for relative optimism Wednesday afternoon.
"I came in this morning and we were a little more optimistic," he said. "There's hope. As long as there's hope and he's still alive, we need to keep him in our prayers and thoughts, but it's been a roller coaster."
Officers are keeping vigil with Garcia and members of the public, and other agencies have left messages and telephone calls in support of his recovery.
"Sometimes the little things can help along the way and make a difference," Petrovich said. "You want to come here, you want to be near it, you want to somehow feel you're making a difference."
Aside from his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, Garcia's family members came to see him as well.
Garcia has been an officer with the Cape Coral Police Department since February 2006.
"A good officer, well thought of by his peer group," Petrovich said. "I don't know what else to say about Damien other than the fact that he's in our prayers and we want him to get well again and come back."
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