| Last updated: August 14. 2005 10:01PM Helping a buddy Hundreds join in raising money for wounded cop By Ken Little Staff Writer ken.little@starnewsonline.com LELAND | Threatening skies Sunday did not dampen community spirit at the Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation benefit for Wilmington police Sgt. Mike Fey and his family. One of the hundreds of law enforcement officers and others who participated in the golf tournament and pig pickin’ event afterward has a special understanding of the challenges Sgt. Fey will face in the months ahead. Sgt. Fey, 35, was shot in the neck early July 29 while pursuing a fugitive in the Houston Moore housing development. His condition has improved markedly in the past week and he was listed in fair condition Sunday at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, but must undergo a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Former Wilmington police Officer Lance Reeves was shot three times Dec. 27, 2002, at Houston Moore while chasing a man who just made an apparent drug sale. He suffered wounds in the left arm and shoulder, and underwent a long rehabilitation regimen. Officer Reeves is now a member of the Columbia, S.C., police force, but there was no question of his returning for the Sgt. Fey benefit. “It’s a great thing that all his friends and family pitched in and are supporting a good cause,” Officer Reeves said. “It just goes to show what a tight-knit unit police officers can be.” Officer Reeves said he has made a complete recovery, but vividly recalls the weeks and months after he was shot. “I have a great positive mental attitude and I felt like I can handle it, but it’s hard on the family,” Officer Reeves said. “I know he’s a good police officer and I know he’s going to get back on the horse and do what he can to recover. I saw my family struggle through it.” More then 250 people registered to participate in the golf tournament, and hundreds more attended the pig pickin’ later in the afternoon. There are also about 100 corporate and business sponsors of the event. There was no estimate Sunday how much money was raised to assist Sgt. Fey and his family, but it should be a substantial amount, organizers said. “The law enforcement community as well as our entire community has stepped up and they realize this is important,” said Wilmington police Sgt. David Register, one of Sgt. Fey’s best friends. “He’s in some pretty intensive therapy and things are going well. His wife will have to stay by his side for some time,” Sgt. Register said. New Hanover County Assistant District Attorney Jon David is also a good friend of Sgt. Fey and frequently golfs with him. Plans are in the works to make the tournament an annual observance to raise money for injured officers, Mr. David said, and the best part about next year’s event will be that Sgt. Fey himself can play. “Mike Fey took a bullet for the community and today was the chance to give back to his family. The response is overwhelming,” Mr. David said. “This is a chance to show love and support for the people who protect us.” The law enforcement profession was well represented at the event, with officers attending from as far away as New York state and Charlotte. Many wore polo shirts displaying crossed golf clubs and emblazoned with the words “Play For Fey.” “He’s one of ours. We’ve got to be here,” said Lt. David Crocker, of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. New Hanover County Sheriff Sid Causey agreed. “They realize the man is going to have a long recovery and we’re happy to do it for him,” he said. Ken Little: 343-2389 ken.little@starnewsonline.com |
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