Community rallies behind injured police officers
A FUNDRAISING campaign to support a Campbelltown police officer seriously injured in a traffic incident has raised more than $85,000.
Macarthur
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THE Macarthur area community has responded with shock and an outpouring of support after two highway patrol officers were seriously injured when a car ploughed into a random breath- testing site in Leumeah on Friday night.
Senior Constables Jonathon Wright and Matthew Foley were setting up the roadside unit at 8.20pm on Campbelltown Rd when they became trapped after a car ran into the back of a police vehicle.
Sen-Constable Wright’s leg was crushed by the impact and colleagues applied a tourniquet to save his life.
His foot and part of his leg were amputated and yesterday he had further surgery in Liverpool Hospital.
Sen-Constable Foley sustained severe leg injuries and remains in the hospital.
A crowd-funding campaign has been established for each officer to assist them and their families during their lengthy recovery.
Family friend Amber Neilson started the GoFundMe campaign for Sen-Constable Wright and by yesterday afternoon it had raised $85,000 in three days. Her target was $10,000.
Mrs Neilson said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who donated to the campaign.
“The comments on the page have been absolutely beautiful and I’m sure will be an immense comfort to (wife) Lisa and Jono in time,’’ she said.
“Thank you to all those who have shared the page and spread the word about mobile phone use while driving.’’
A GoFundMe campaign, set up for Mr Foley by Macquarie Fields Highway Patrol, had yesterday raised $3690 of a $10,000 goal.
Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren said the support was another example of Macarthur area residents coming together and supporting each other in times of need.
“I hope these guys have a speedy recovery and I will be taking a direct personal interest to make sure they have the support they need,’’ Mr Warren said.
“Friday’s events are a reminder how dangerous policing is.’’
Douglas Park General Store owner Bina Munjal said the GoFundMe campaigns were a lovely thing for residents to do for others in the Douglas Park area.
A NSW Police critical incident team is investigating all circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation will be subject to independent review.
Car driver Jakob Thornton, 22, of Ruse, has been charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm, causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and driver use mobile phone when not permitted. He was refused bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.
Police have appealed to witnesses to Friday night’s incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Your help
GoFundMe campaigns: Support Lisa and Jono and Support Matt and Ros
Campbelltown’s Seta’s Cafe: Donating $1 for every coffee sold
MP Greg Warren: Will on Tuesday match Seta’s Cafe donation dollar for dollar