Did you know that it was National Police Week? It’s true. In 1962 President Kennedy signed a proclamation naming today, May 15th Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls Police Week. He felt it was important to honor those who serve, defend and protect and so do I.
How do you take a 30 something Greek god and literally overnight turn him into a post surgical man about to start chemo? Add Cancer.
Bridgeport Police Sergeant Angelo Collazo, a dear, true friend of mine, was diagnosed with Cancer last week. Within one week of his first symptom, he has already had surgery and is awaiting his first chemotherapy session. Scary. Angelo is one of the fittest people I know and coming from a chiropractor, that means something.
friends
The funny thing about Cancer is you can’t fight it off with a taser or a gun. You have to fight with chemicals, radioactivity, poison. Not easy to swallow when you are used to treating your body like a temple. Equally as important, if not more so is sheer will, determination, love and support. That’s where we come. Let me explain.
The Bridgeport Police Officers, Sgt. Collazo included, lay their lives on the line for every one of the 140,000 constituents in the City of Bridgeport, not to mention the workforce, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The sacrifices made to their bodies, families, and ability to live free are ones only those who choose this life (God Bless our Troops) and their families can understand. I very thankfully spend most of my days with BPT PD (90% of my practice is cops) and I witness unbelievable bravery and commitment to the calling that is protecting and serving.
Here’s the thing. We pay our Police Officers so much less than they deserve. What we ask of them compared to how we thank them for their service is incredibly lopsided. It is paramount that the Police work overtime in order to supplement their base pay. The nature of their job, rotating hours and shifts, and limitations based on the boundaries of the work makes it almost impossible for someone to get a second job to support their family. When you are out on sick leave, overtime is not an option. Remember how painful it was the last time you wrote out a copay check for your yearly physical. Now imagine you have Cancer. Cha-ching.
Now enter Overtime cutting budget junkies….you’ve heard of them right? These are the faction of people that complain about the homicide problems in the City but eagerly cut the Police Budget to accommodate their own agendas. I think I just heard they cut about another $500,000 this time around. I get it that nobody wants to higher taxes but taking it from Public Safety is NUTS. Just to be clear, when you see a cop standing on the side of the road with UI or cablevision, those companies are footing the bill. Even more so, they City gets a vig on that work as well. The funding we just cut was called inside OT. This is money spent on people actually working to solve crimes and deter violence. Hmmmm, doesn’t seem so smart anymore does it. Oh well, too bad. There’s always next year.
Who knows how long Angelo will be out of work and in treatment. The PD has unlimited sick leave and the Brotherhood will lock arms best they can to support him during this time but he needs more. Sgt. Collazo needs your help. Now is the time to be thankful for all of the hard work being done on behalf of you and your families and show your support by making a donation in Angelo’s name. It doesn’t have to be much. If 10% of the City population contributed $10, that would equal $140,000. That kind of money saves lives. When Haiti had an earthquake and Japan had a tsunami, it wasn’t even a one minute thought on whether or not I was going to text in $10 to the Red Cross. Well this natural disaster comes in the form of a silent killer and the price is my friend. I’m not going to let that happen without a fight and in good conscience for all the police do for us, and all the money WASTED on expensive coffee, campaign contributions, and iphone apps you shouldn’t either.
In over a year of writing I haven’t asked you for anything. Today I’m asking.
Please make a donation to :
Bridgeport Police Union 1159
300 Congress Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
c/o Sgt. Angelo Collazo.
Consider this a call to action.
love, jen
ps…BRAVO to the brilliant Detectives who tracked the alleged shooter in last month’s homicide all the way to Washington DC. I guess when they say you can run but your can’t hide, they were talking about our guys…and wonder women for that matter!
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance now I’m back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive
You trade your passion for glory
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger
Face to face, out in the heat
Hangin’ tough, stayin’ hungry
They stack the odds, still we take to the street
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/s/survivor-lyrics/eye-of-the-tiger-lyrics.html |]
For the kill with the skill to survive
It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger
Risin’ up, straight to the top
Had the guts, got the glory
Went the distance now I’m not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive
It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger
The Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
Angelo, I was so sorry to hear but I know that you’re a fighter and you’re not going to take this lying down. I just want you to know that we’re all thinking of you in you’re in my prayers. I know you’re going to be fine because you’ll fight this till its gone and I encourage it. I hear there’s a new class going into the academy and they need Sergeant Collazo to get them PD ready!!! God bless
Jenn Gonzalez
Angelo you have always been a fighter extremely positive I know in my heart you will get through this. Although is hard for most of us to accept and cope with certain situations life sends are way i wish i can be there with you everyday although I’m not near i need you to know that you are not alone and i am here to fight this battle with you every step of the way i have loved you all along and i will never stop no matter where life takes us. I Need you to know that! prayers and much love is sent your way. Have FAITH!!!
Angelo I want you to know that you are never alone, God is always by your side. My Pastor, me, and my sisters, brothers in Christ are praying for you in Renacer Church. God bless you, and remember: I can do all these things through Christ who strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
I would like to thank every one that has offered their encouraging words and support. Although this has been a very difficult time of my life I do not feel like I am alone in this battle. I read all of the Facebook posts and these blogs. It feel great to see I have everyone in my corner to battle this.
I just spoke to my Doctor and he has advised me that my tumor marker results are still high and I must begin chemotherapy very soon. As you all know I am a very positive person and I am looking forward for a good fight. Most likely my chemo therapy will be 1 week a month for four months.
Again, thank you to friends, family, supporters, and my fellow police officers! Be safe and keep shining!
Angelo Collazo
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Angelo
Hope you get better
Angelo your a great person I know you will get through this,I’m with you 100%. I will be praying for you and a quick recovery.. I remember like it was yesterday when we were kids just hanging out in stratford in our neighbour hood. Wow how time flys
PD work just as hard as we do if not harder…they put their lives on the line on our own turf…they fight battles that not everyone can fight. im just a sailor doing my job on that flight deck….but i give the up most respect to them. Sgt. Collazo i wish you the fastest recovery you can have and thank you for serving for the Bridgepot PD.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the brother in blue. I used to work for Bridgeport PD Dispatch Center 8 years ago and still miss all the great people I met and worked with. Those who know Angelo they know this guy was one of the most fit guy who really took care of his body. Angelo if you see this message and need anything please I am here to help.
What a great article Jennifer… Your truly a good friend and Angelo is Blessed to have someone like you in his life. Angelo it saddens me that you are going through this difficult time BUT you are strong and I know you are going to do anything to fight this cancer. You will be in my thoughts and prayers my friend. Xoxo
I certainly will be thinking of you, Angelo! Sending thoughts of a full recovery & speedy treatment!!! Thanks for the article, Jennifer.
Hey Angelo I’m so sorry to hear about the news!!!! My prayers and thought are with you for a full recovery! I will spread this to the Brazilian community for everyone to help! God bless u!
Angelo … kick this cancer in the tush! We will be praying for you!
Angelo, I am so sorry to hear. I will keep you in my prayers. Be faithful and the Lord will take care of the rest. I know of many who have overcome by having faith. God bless you
You’ve got this, Ang! xoxo Praying for you!
Angelo, we are praying for a full recovery, if you need anything please call us. Our thoughts are with you and your family. We love you.
I am sorry to hear about the news Angelo Collazo carries my mothers maiden name (not sure if there was relation) and I always saw him around in Bpt doing his job. My prayers go out to you. Great writing Jen… I will share this article also.
Hey Angelo… My prayers and thought are with you… I know that God will be blessing your life and you will get through this tuff time… Feel better soon… Love, Tamyres
Angelo, u will get better & u will be back to yourself. The strength lies within u buddy! Xoxo
what can i do to help.?
My thoughts and prayers are with Angelo and his family! Angelo, if anyone, YOU can FIGHT this! Best and Many Blessings!
All departments are having this problem. My story is a little different…
19 years ago, my husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin type lymphoma. His police brothers gathered around him by signing over some of their “extra” details to his name, providing us with the hours we needed to get by. A few years later, another Officer watched his wife suffer from cancer and stayed home to care for her and their children. Again, the department came to his aid, signing over some of their much needed overtime.
In their incredible wisdom, the West Springfield Police Department no longer ALLOWS their Officers to support their fellows in this way. A selfless act has been stricken from them.
I send prayers to the family Sgt. Callazo, and to his friends and family. And my husband has been cancer free for 18 years, may it be that same for this fine man.
This is a great article. May Angelo have a quick and speedy recovery. If you have a benefit for him..I will donate my dj services for free..
Rick a
If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. ~Lance Armstrong
“F” YOU CANCER!
Angelo, praying for you. Hope you have a speedy recovery stay storing thru this and keep that smile you always have when people see you.
Sending lots of prayers your way, you will be in thoughts..
Dr. Jen, on this Police Memorial Day, thanks as always for being in our corner and bringing attention to some of the issues we face. Angelo, my trainee, you will be in our prayers and I know you will come out of this OK.
Your a great writer! Thank you and I’m sure i should be ok with people like you in my corner!