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Detective 1st Grade Mike Rooney, a member of the Greenwich Police Department in Fairfield County, is currently in a coma following his surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to have a tumor removed from his brain, according to Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association President Peter Schmitt.
After the procedure was finished, Rooney's brain began unexpectedly swelling, causing him to enter into a coma, Schmitt said.
Now, Rooney, a more than 20-year veteran of the department who is also a former US Marine, is "fighting the battle of his life," according to Schmitt. To help support him, his wife, and two children, the Greenwich Police Department began a GoFundMe fundraiser to collect donations.
"Mike has dedicated his life to helping others and now he is in desperate need of our assistance," Schmitt wrote on the fundraiser's online page, adding, "All proceeds will be used to support Mike’s wife and two young children."
Before his surgery and coma, Rooney was assigned to the department's Special Victims Section advocating for and investigating crimes targeting vulnerable populations. He was also assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's task force targeting online sexual predators and violent crimes against children.
Now, in this desperate moment, Rooney is on the receiving side of his community's generosity. As of Tuesday, Oct. 8, the fundraiser had already collected over $40,000 out of its $100,000 goal.
As the effort collects more funds, Schmitt is sure that Rooney will keep fighting the good fight.
"Mike is a warrior," he said.
Those interested in donating to the fundraiser can do so by clicking here.
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