Support pours in for injured Jackson police officer
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JACKSON, Tenn. — West Tennesseans overwhelmed with a desire to help are opening their hearts and wallets to help a Jackson police officer badly beaten while on duty. Sgt. Mike Thomas is said to be in stable condition after surgery Tuesday afternoon to repair fractures to his face. He likely will be off duty for months as he heals. Thomas is an officer and father now unable to protect the city and the family he loves. But support from friends and strangers is pouring in. “We’ve had such an overwhelming amount of support from the community,” Scott Conger with the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation said. “We have a great community that supports our law enforcement officials.” The Sgt. Mike Thomas Charitable Fund was set up Tuesday by his fellow officers through the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation as a place where anyone can donate. The foundation says the money will be available to his family for any expenses they incur during his recovery. “They were receiving so many donations, and we’re overwhelmed by the support that they were getting that they needed some help,” Conger said. “We do that type of thing, so we were happy to come in and help them.” Officers with the Jackson Police Department also have turned to social media to kick-start support for Thomas, creating a GoFundMe account online for people to donate. “I think more people should get involved,” Jackson resident Beverly Harpole said. “And I hope that we raise a bunch of money for him.” Department officials say Sgt. Thomas has a long road to recovery with several surgeries in his future. “So as time goes on and he starts to do better and he gets back, we’ll see people continue to give and continue to show their support,” Conger said.
