By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Two members of Police Benevolent Association no. 205 one from the police department and one from the rescue squad and one from Fire Company no. 1, have deemed themselves Wilson’s Warriors as they work to raise funds for Hillsborough Police Officer David Wilson.
Following the success of two blood drives to Officer Wilson, who has been receiving treatment for leukemia since November, the police department and PBA 205 are now preparing new ways to help him during this rough time.
According to Lori Shotyk, administrative assistant with the police department and the police representative for Wilson’s Warriors Officer Wilson is currently undergoing his third round of chemotherapy with an experimental treatment that is not covered by his insurance. Soon, she said, he will need a bone marrow transplant.
”But his spirits are good,” she said.
To aid Officer Wilson monetarily, Ms. Shotyk said the PBA is holding a motorcycle run April 5 for people to ride a course through Hillsborough and surrounding towns. She said members of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club and the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club will be taking part, as well as any residents wishing to join.
”They will follow a marked course,” she said. “Or people can just come to the picnic at Fire Company no. 2, on Route 206.
Registration for the event will began at 10:30 a.m., with the run starting at noon at Fire Company no. 2, and the picnic beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets to ride and attend the picnic are $20, with an extra $10 required to have a passenger on a motorcycle.
”We are expecting about 500 to 1,000 motorcycles,” Ms. Shotyk said.
In addition, Ms. Shotyk said, the PBA is looking for sponsors for the event who would like to be featured in an ad booklet.
All the money raised from the event will go toward Officer Wilson’s medical costs.
For those just looking to donate money, Ms. Shotyk said, the PBA has set up Wilson’s 10-33 Foundation Inc., to accept funds. In the week it has been running, she said, they have already raised about $600.
Aside from the monetary assistance, on the recommendation of Hillsborough Police Chief Paul Kaminsky, the Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to allow members of the police department to volunteer to participate in a shared leave program.
In this program, Mayor Frank DelCore said, officers can donate their own paid leave days to Officer Wilson, who will run out of his total vacation and sick days this month.
According to the resolution, unused sick, personal and vacation time can be donated, and employees wishing to donate must have at least 100 hours remaining after the donation is made.
”It is a very nice gesture on their part, and I think they should be commended,” Mayor DelCore said. “We wish Officer Wilson a speedy recovery.”
Ms. Shotyk said she is glad so many people are willing to give to help Officer Wilson, and, having spoken to him, she said he has also expressed his gratitude for the assistance.
”He’s very humbled and grateful for the support of the officers and the community,” she said.
Donations for the foundation can be sent c/o Hillsborough PBA 205, PO Box 6359, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.
To be a sponsor for the motorcycle run, contact Ms. Shotyk at 908-369-4323 x. 635, or send an email to [email protected].
