Indianapolis Police Foundation of the FOP ~ Gunshot Trauma Kit Donations
This is an exciting project for the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, the IMPD and members of our community. Five years ago on July 10, 2008 Officer Jason Fishburn was shot in the line of duty on the near eastside of Indianapolis. Officer Fishburn sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen which was stopped by his bullet resistant vest and he suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Responding officers were able to begin emergency medical care on the scene of the shooting as the result of an officer having a prepared gunshot trauma kit. As a result, Officer Fishburn survived his injuries and has gone on to defy medical predictions about his possible recovery. Officer Fishburn has since medically retired from the IMPD and enjoys life with his family. We are so grateful for his ongoing recovery and for his continued commitment to improve the working conditions and safety for our police officers.
Ever since this incident, many of the police officers involved that day have been diligently working to ensure every officer has such a lifesaving tool at their disposal. Like most issues we face today, this project has often faced the daunting challenge of finding money within existing depleted police budget funds. However, while budgets are lean and any extra money is tight, our police officers continue to face challenging and unknown threats multiple times every day.
That is exactly why the both public and private funding streams are so vitally important to keeping our police and in turn our community safe. Recently, the FOP learned of the fantastic efforts of The Father’s House on the southeast side of Indianapolis. Dr. Christopher Holland who is the Pastor of this church leads his congregation in an annual effort to support the officers of the East and Southeast Districts where they are located. Each year, the church hosts an annual IMPD Roll Call at their location and provides a token of appreciation to those officers. This year, the church is seeking to provide gunshot trauma kits to the 200 patrol officers on the East and Southeast side. This effort alone requires a fundraising effort of $20,000 by September 13, 2013.
However, upon learning of this grassroots project, the FOP reached out to Pastor Holland and his staff. We have met with them to ensure the contents match the critical items needed for our police. During these meetings, we have had members of our law enforcement and medical trauma communities review and approve the contents. Fortunately, the materials included match those provided already to our SWAT , EOD and other specialized units. All of our IMPD officers have already received training on these pieces of medical equipment and we are ready to move forward.
The total amount needed to provide this emergency medical equipment to every IMPD officer is approximately $150,000. Therefore, we are humbly requesting individual residents and the members of our business and charitable community consider donating to this worthy cause.
To assist in these efforts, the Indianapolis Police Foundation of the Fraternal Order of Police has agreed to receive and administer this ongoing fundraising effort. Together we are confident we can finally bring this critical project to a reality and uphold our commitment to Officer Fishburn and all those officers injured or killed in the line of duty to do all that we can for them when they give their all for us.
Since announcing the project, the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety has pledged $35,000 toward the effort. We appreciate any help you may provide…every $5, $25, $50 or more will help. All donations are tax deductible.
If you would like to make a donation to provide trauma kits to our officers , please make checks payable to: Indianapolis Police Foundation of the FOP
Trauma Kits
1525 Shelby St
Indianapolis, In 46203
317-637-1195