Friends Organize Fundraiser for Lowell Police Chief
By: Liz Hogan
Updated: May 1, 2012
A lot of people are coming together to raise money and support for the Lowell police chief.
Chief Joe Landers remains in critical condition in a Florida hospital after investigators say he was hit by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle Friday night.
Landers was on vacation in Panama City when the accident happened.
To help with medical and travel expenses, Landers' friends organized a fundraiser at Jose's restaurant in Springdale Tuesday.
Tuesday is Bike Night at Jose's, and employees say the chief and his motorcycle were usually in attendance.
The group sold raffle tickets and sold special bracelets to raise money.
"Joe has a lot of friends, knows lots of people in the community and there's even people he doesn't know that he's touched just from being a nice guy," said friend Rinelle Thompson.
His family released this statement today on the Pray for Joe Landers Facebook page:
"Spoke with the nero [sic] doc this morning. Things are the same. This is a tough time for me and my brother. All the support we have been getting is greatly appreciated. Dad has had the best care possible and we have been blessed with the hospitality of some very wonderful people. I wish I had the time to thank each of you individually. I think this has opened our eyes and taught us each a lesson to give back where we can. I hope that each of us will be more kind and compassionate toward everyone we come in contact with. I know my Dad would never hesitate to give a complete stranger the shirt off his back and his compassion toward people is being returned to us now. Even a simple smile and good morning to someone can make their day better. So I hope everyone takes that out of this. The support that my Dad has gotten has been in a class that he deserves. So this morning as we all go about our day take a minute to say hello and offer a smile to at least one person. We love you all and appreciate the kindness we have been blessed with. Will update again if things should change. Just remember to smile today because that's what dad would want us to do."
Chief Joe Landers remains in critical condition in a Florida hospital after investigators say he was hit by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle Friday night.
Landers was on vacation in Panama City when the accident happened.
To help with medical and travel expenses, Landers' friends organized a fundraiser at Jose's restaurant in Springdale Tuesday.
Tuesday is Bike Night at Jose's, and employees say the chief and his motorcycle were usually in attendance.
The group sold raffle tickets and sold special bracelets to raise money.
"Joe has a lot of friends, knows lots of people in the community and there's even people he doesn't know that he's touched just from being a nice guy," said friend Rinelle Thompson.
His family released this statement today on the Pray for Joe Landers Facebook page:
"Spoke with the nero [sic] doc this morning. Things are the same. This is a tough time for me and my brother. All the support we have been getting is greatly appreciated. Dad has had the best care possible and we have been blessed with the hospitality of some very wonderful people. I wish I had the time to thank each of you individually. I think this has opened our eyes and taught us each a lesson to give back where we can. I hope that each of us will be more kind and compassionate toward everyone we come in contact with. I know my Dad would never hesitate to give a complete stranger the shirt off his back and his compassion toward people is being returned to us now. Even a simple smile and good morning to someone can make their day better. So I hope everyone takes that out of this. The support that my Dad has gotten has been in a class that he deserves. So this morning as we all go about our day take a minute to say hello and offer a smile to at least one person. We love you all and appreciate the kindness we have been blessed with. Will update again if things should change. Just remember to smile today because that's what dad would want us to do."
