The National Police Defense Foundation received a request for humanitarian assistance from Ecuadorian Police Sergeant Rolan Guillermo Garcia Gonzalez whose leg had to be amputated as the result of a hit and run incident in 2008. The Sergent was originally fitted with a prosthetic limb by the Ecuadorian Police insurer but, due to the Sergeant’s commitment to doing Paralympic sports, the prosthetic was damaged beyond repair and funds were not available to Sgt. Guillermo to repair it on his own. Enter NPDF Executive Joe Occhipinti and NPDF Ecuadorian Delegate Joe Zhanay. Both men felt compassion for Sergeant Guillermo, so they worked diligently to amass the considerable funds necessary to purchase new prosthetic components that made Sgt. Guillermo’s device fully function while providing him with components that could aid in this continued pursuit of Paralympic sporting activity without the necessity of using substandard, makeshift components. This greatly enhanced the Sergeant’s ability to compete, carry out his official police duties and once again, have the quality of life he deserves.
Executive Director Joseph Occhipinti is very pleased the NPDF was able to resolve Sergeant Rolan Guillermo Garcia Gonzalez plight and to help him return to the quality of life he previously enjoyed. Special thanks to NPDF Ecuadorian delegate Jose Zhanay for his help in bringing this request for humanitarian assistance to a successful conclusion.
Mike Barry
NPDF President