Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019
Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Attend Grady’s Gladiators Fundraiser
METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon and Mayor James Jajuga are pleased to share that the Methuen Police Department attended a fundraiser this weekend that raised more than $37,000 to support research for a rare genetic disorder.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, Methuen Police Officer Paul Ramirez, Officer Tim Getchell and K9 Buddy attended the Touch a Truck portion of the Grady’s Gladiators Best Day Ever Fundraiser at Searles Castle in Windham, New Hampshire. Officer Ramirez brought the department’s breast cancer awareness themed pink police cruiser, ‘Hope,’ and Officer Getchell and K9 Buddy attended the event with their K9 cruiser.
The event was primarily organized by Methuen Police Officer Jeff Smith and his wife, Jillian Smith.
Officer Smith and his family have dedicated themselves to promoting Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) awareness and advocating for ALD screening for newborns ever since his son, Grady, 8, was diagnosed with ALD last August. ALD is a brain disorder that damages myelin, which acts as a barrier that protects and surrounds the brain’s neurons.
“This was a truly special event, organized by one of our own to raise money for a disease which has greatly impacted his family,” Chief Solomon said. “We’re incredibly proud of the work Officer Smith and his family have done to raise awareness and support research for ALD, and we were happy to have had an opportunity to support them this weekend.”
Funds raised at the event will support research for ALD and bone marrow transplants at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“Congratulations to Officer Smith and his family for successfully organizing such a significant event for ALD research and awareness, and a job well done to the Methuen Police Department for supporting this fundraiser and connecting with the community this weekend,” Mayor Jajuga said.
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