To all involved,
I want to thank Trinity Armory and staff for hosting, organizing, and planning, the fundraising benefit that raised a net total of $13,000 to go towards my post-motorcycle-crash expenses. I’d also like to thank the Roman Forest Police Association members, the Cities of Roman Forest and Splendora staff for their involvement. I know there were many volunteers and donors that made this event a success, way too many to list. If I tried, I would leave someone off because, honestly, I don’t really know who all helped in the background. But I wish to thank everyone of you. There were also some donations that were made directly to me such as from the Reguladores and Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs, which I deeply thank their members for that.
In the beginning, I was opposed to the idea of people raising funds to help me. When I got out of the hospital and saw some posts on Facebook, my wife told me that she gave Trinity Armory permission to auction a few guns to help with medical bills. I help other people all the time; I didn’t want help from others, it just feels weird. I have medical insurance that pays 80% after a deductible. I’ve never taken a sick day from work, so I was capped out and had plenty to use. Then I got a call from the media asking what I thought of the benefit being planned. Wow, it evolved into a benefit… I felt even weirder. I didn’t post anything on my Facebook about it until the organizers asked Laura to have me at least share some posts. But, when I saw the support from the community, that made me feel really good. I really appreciate all who came out, all the encouraging posts, calls, and texts from those who couldn’t make it.
The net amount of $13,000 the benefit raised is in the hands of the Roman Forest Police Association. I do not plan to use any more than my expenses. Any funds leftover, I will donate to the Roman Forest Police Association to be used for the next member in distress.
I’ve had many friends tell me that they are glad I made it through this alive. My answer is always something like… “I’m tough. It will take more than hitting the ground at 65 MPH and the back of an 800LB Harley-Davidson landing on my rib cage to kill me. Remember, I am superhuman. 😃”
Again, I thank all the organizers, donors, volunteers, and the community for their support. Especially Kristy Williams and Chief Wally Wieghat of Trinity Armory.
Thank you to everyone,
Stephen Carlisle Chief of Police
