Car wash benefits ailing Dallas police officer and family
by MONIKA DIAZ
Bio | Email
WFAA
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:44 PM
Updated today at 6:58 PM
Related:
•Assist the Officer Foundation Web site
http://atodallas.org/
http://www.wfaa.com/community/Car-wash-benefit-for-ailing-DPD-Officer-and-his-family--126462003.html
RICHARDSON — Local police officers washed more than 100 cars Saturday in the parking lot of a Richardson strip mall Saturday for Dallas police Officer Andrew Litz, who is struggling at home and on the job.
The five-year veteran hasn't worked for weeks, and bills are piling up. He has used all of his sick, vacation and comp time, so he's no longer getting a paycheck.
"He's had an injury that has stayed with him," said police colleague Ken Schwartz. "It's gotten worse in the past month or so; he's not able to work."
The wounds of war haunt Andrew Litz.
In 2005, his Humvee hit a land mine in Iraq. The U.S. Marine suffered a concussion.
He complained of severe migraines and was so sick he couldn't even sleep. Doctors now believe the incident led to a brain injury.
Litz didn't tell his fellow police officers about it.
"When I talked to Andrew's wife for the first time, you know, she told me that Andrew had said, 'This isn't the police department's problem,'" said DPD Officer Christine Bush. "We understand that, too, but on the other hand, it is because he is one of us and we are going to take care of him."
Some donations were a surprise at the event. A stranger handed the officers a $500 check. Plano police also stopped by with a check for $1,000.
"It's a brotherhood. If you hear another officer is in need, all the officers in the area are going to help out," said Richardson police Officer Jason Day.
Richardson police are planning to host a hockey tournament in September for the officer, his wife and their two young children.
And at Litz's division in the Southeast patrol, some officers are going beyond raising donations. They are working his shift.
"These officers are taking their days off and they are coming in and do Andrew's shift for him so that way, he will be able to receive a paycheck," Bush said.
That gives Andrew Litz and his family all the support they can along with a message: They are not alone.
Donations from the public are accepted online at the Assist The Officer Foundation Web site.
by MONIKA DIAZ
Bio | Email
WFAA
Posted on July 30, 2011 at 6:44 PM
Updated today at 6:58 PM
Related:
•Assist the Officer Foundation Web site
http://atodallas.org/
http://www.wfaa.com/community/Car-wash-benefit-for-ailing-DPD-Officer-and-his-family--126462003.html
RICHARDSON — Local police officers washed more than 100 cars Saturday in the parking lot of a Richardson strip mall Saturday for Dallas police Officer Andrew Litz, who is struggling at home and on the job.
The five-year veteran hasn't worked for weeks, and bills are piling up. He has used all of his sick, vacation and comp time, so he's no longer getting a paycheck.
"He's had an injury that has stayed with him," said police colleague Ken Schwartz. "It's gotten worse in the past month or so; he's not able to work."
The wounds of war haunt Andrew Litz.
In 2005, his Humvee hit a land mine in Iraq. The U.S. Marine suffered a concussion.
He complained of severe migraines and was so sick he couldn't even sleep. Doctors now believe the incident led to a brain injury.
Litz didn't tell his fellow police officers about it.
"When I talked to Andrew's wife for the first time, you know, she told me that Andrew had said, 'This isn't the police department's problem,'" said DPD Officer Christine Bush. "We understand that, too, but on the other hand, it is because he is one of us and we are going to take care of him."
Some donations were a surprise at the event. A stranger handed the officers a $500 check. Plano police also stopped by with a check for $1,000.
"It's a brotherhood. If you hear another officer is in need, all the officers in the area are going to help out," said Richardson police Officer Jason Day.
Richardson police are planning to host a hockey tournament in September for the officer, his wife and their two young children.
And at Litz's division in the Southeast patrol, some officers are going beyond raising donations. They are working his shift.
"These officers are taking their days off and they are coming in and do Andrew's shift for him so that way, he will be able to receive a paycheck," Bush said.
That gives Andrew Litz and his family all the support they can along with a message: They are not alone.
Donations from the public are accepted online at the Assist The Officer Foundation Web site.
