https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIF6W5WFPsI

Volunteer LAPD Officer Attacked by Bees

May 17th, 2023, 7:00 PM Pacific -- See below the original story for an important update regarding funding! Note: you may have to click on "See older updates" to view it.

Hi, my name is Daniel and I'm fundraising for my dad, Gary, who was heartbreakingly featured on television as being overcome by killer bees and falling to the ground with the fire department nearby. Dad has been a volunteer for the LAPD for nearly 18 years, has been a first responder to many incidents, and helped save many lives by calling in paramedics to accident scenes, directing traffic around dangerous areas, and even making good decisions about when to step in and say help clear a baby's airway when it was suffering from RSV and stopped breathing before paramedics could arrive.

Unfortunately, while his job gets a lot of praise, we recently found out he'll be on the hook for his own medical expenses through Medicare, since volunteers are not considered city employees. Further, he's had to indemnify the LAPD and the city against any injuries he gets "on duty" and even pay for his own uniform and gear necessary to carry out those duties. It's looking like we, his family, will need to go to bat for him here, as he's going to be in the hospital for several more days to be stabilized enough for facial surgery. So we're hoping those out there that have any ties to or have been helped by these community officers, or even just want to keep them around and help protect them from harm’s way, can donate to get Gary back on his feet as soon as possible.

I'll try to update with more details as we find out about Gary's recovery, and what will probably be a drawn-out process with the insurance company. Thank you for keeping him, and all the community volunteers and helpers in your neighborhood, in your thoughts and prayers. We honestly don't know how much all this is going to cost at this point.

EDIT: New to GoFundMe, so I need to make it clearer that yes, I am in constant contact with my dad Gary, and that any money received will be going directly to an account with Gary as the primary account holder (ensuring he will get it directly). The purpose of this fundraiser is first to pay any of his out-of-pocket medical expenses, then for any uniform/equipment expenses/damages that were caused by the accident, then any legal or other expenses that have to do with filing claims, seeking/obtaining medical care, or rehab, and then if there's still money left, we'd work to get it to benefit other LAPD volunteers in some way and/or donate it to the LAPD earmarked for such purposes.

Gary's recovery took a detour. After finally getting back to the police station for about an hour yesterday for a short interview, Gary was rushed to the hospital overnight by paramedics. He was experiencing an A-fib that caused a spike in blood pressure, shortness of breath and a horrendous headache. The ER got his heartbeat and blood pressure stabilized by about 3:00 am (Pacific), after which Gary proceeded to pass out and get some sleep while the hospital continued to monitor and perform additional tests. Gary is now resting at home again, but will definitely need to take it easy, reserving his energy for the many doctor follow-up visits he has in the coming weeks. Thank you again for keeping him in your thoughts and prayers everyone! Reading your words of encouragement is always the highlight of his days.

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  Recovery has begun. After 5 days in hospital, Gary is finally home and resting after his surgery the night before. The surgery itself took between 2 and 3 hours and was able to be done noninvasively, so only a few stiches with minimal scarring is expected. What a relief! The hospital staff was wonderful, as were the LAPD liaisons -- everyone was super friendly, supportive, and careful to go over each and every little thing needed for an expeditious recovery. We're truly touched by how Gary's story resonates with people, even internationally, who want to reach us with encouragement for the good that volunteers like Gary do. This crazy bee swarm accident won't keep Gary down for long. Thank you, everyone, for your continued support!

  
  

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  Wow, we are absolutely amazed at the outpouring of well wishes received in the last 24 hours! Thank you all so much! With your help, not only have we surpassed our goal, but we've garnered enough attention that we just spoke to Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton! He's personally guaranteed that the LAPD _will_ now be covering all of Gary's medical-related expenses (not covered by Medicare) allowing us to use most of the funding for the remainder of the items listed above, and for the general benefit of Gary and all the volunteers. Thank you again for your support of community helpers from far and wide!

  
  


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  https://www.gofundme.com/f/volunteer-lapd-officer-attacked-by-bees