Fundraiser underway for injured officer
KEITH KINNAIRD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 9 months AGO
PONDERAY — An online fundraiser is underway for Ponderay Police Sgt. Mike Victorino, who was injured in a motorcycle crash on Aug. 15.
The GoFundMe fundraiser has a goal of $5,000 and has so far raised $1,100, according to the crowd-funding website.
Idaho State Police said Victorino was riding a Harley-Davidson eastbound on U.S. Highway 12 when he lost control and was thrown from the motorcycle.
The crash happened at approximately 2 p.m. east of Lewiston. Victorino was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, state police said.
Victorino, 56, was transported by air ambulance to the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.
State police said the crash remains under investigation.
The GoFundMe fundraiser has 18 donors, 238 shares and 18 followers. It was started by Cheyenne Cotter.
“Every little bit helps. Please continue to pray and send healing vibes,” Cotter said in a post to the fundraiser.
In subsequent posts, Cotter said Victorino underwent surgery to remove a clot and has responded well to stimulus from doctors and visitors. He is also being treated for facial fractures.
“He has feeling in all extremities and both collar bones are broken,” Cotter said in a Monday post.
In a post the following day, Cotter said there were no signs of a stroke or hemorrhaging, and that his heart, lungs and kidneys are functioning well.
“He is still sedated but they are slowly reducing the level of sedation. They started some physical therapy this afternoon to get him moving around a little bit,” Cotter said in the Tuesday update to the fundraiser (gofundme.com/f/help-mike-after-motorcycle-accident).
“Mike is holding his own, with small steps of progress being made,” Ponderay Police Chief Jimmy Cornelius said in response to an inquiry about Victorino’s condition.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.
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