Event to raise funds for officer
Published 1:10 pm Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Chesapeake patrolman remains in hospital
COAL GROVE — Events are planned for Saturday, Oct. 15 to help pay for medical expenses for a Chesapeake police officer injured in a car crash last month.
Aaron Christian is listed in critical condition at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington while he recovers from the Sept. 18 crash in his cruiser on County Road 7 between Chesapeake and Proctorville.
A Thin Blue Line Block Party, organized by former Chesapeake police chief Lenny Abrams and other members of the community, will take place at Paul Porter Park in Coal Grove from 4-8 p.m., featuring bands, food vendors, inflatables, merchandise and raffles.
“There will be live music the whole day,” Abrams said.
Following the block party, A 5K Run for the Boy in Blue will take place at the park.
Kathy Ross, a case manager at Riverside Recovery Services, said Riverside is sponsoring the run.
Registration for the run is $25 and can be completed at www.tristateracer.com, Ross said. Those taking part will receive a free T-shirt and a glow-in-the-dark blue band, courtesy of Patriot EMS. T-shirts will also be on sale at the block party.
All funds raised from both events will go to the Aaron Christian Recovery Fund.
While Christian remains in critical condition, friends have said he has made steady improvements over the past week and have been optimistic about his recovery.
-How to donate-
A donation drive has been set up online to pay for Christian’s medical expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/2pv7drw. Donors may also contribute to an account opened in his name at U.S. Bank locations. Checks should be made payable to “Aaron J. Christian.”