Article from kswo.com
It has been more than two years since
officer James Poindexter's tragic motorcycle accident. He
suffered a spinal cord injury that left him quadrapalegic. Now,
he's encountered another obstacle - he no longer has insurance coverage
for his medical expenses. Tonight, friends and family are pulling
support from the community with a spaghetti dinner that began this
evening.
James also worked with 7News,
he was the Crimestoppers Officer when he had his accident. His
fellow officers say when James was injured, they not only lost a great
officer - they almost lost a friend. Many officers say James
Poindexter was an extraordinary officer. He made great things
happen - he carried the Crimestoppers program, he started the Citizens
Patrol Academy, he was a member of the SWAT Team...and, that just to
name a few of his accomplishments.
His friend Michael Johnson
says he was full of life. "[He had] so much to offer the citizens
of Lawton. The energy he has, the people he knows...we miss him
so," he says. Officers who know him best, though, know he's a
fighter and an inspiration to them. Poindexter has never given up
despite his life changing injuries. His friends say his faith
keeps inspires them to keep going, while James battles every day.
"It's
just not the same without him here. I wish he was here now so I
could work beside him," says Lt. Troy Morris of the Lawton Police
Department. Brent Yarbrough eventually took over Crimestoppers,
and he knows how well liked and respected Poindexter was. "Get
phone calls about him every day," he says. "Everybody misses
him...great guy. Hard shoes to fill." Deputy Chief Johnson
says he wants citizens of Lawton to see Poindexter as a survivor.
"For James, he's so well liked - and loved - , you can't forget him,"
he says.
James' mother says although he realizes he will probably never walk again, he keeps a positive attitude.
If
you would like to help James Poindexter with a charitable donation, his
friends and family have organized a Benefit Spaghetti Dinner.
It's happening right now at the VFW Post 52-63 on Northeast 20th
Street. James Poindexter also has a bank account in his
name. If you would like to make a donation, drop into any City
National Bank and make a deposit in his name.
There will also
be a fundraiser Saturday, April 5, from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at Centenary
Methodist Church, 704 SW D Avenue in Lawton. They will serve
homemade pizza slices, salad, dessert, and drink at a cost of $15 for
adults, $5 for children 4-12 and children 3 years and under eat
free. Take out will be available.
