COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND GAUTIER POLICE OFFICER

He’s dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of Gautier for more than 15 years, and now is the chance for the community to pay it back and pay it forward. News 25’s Toni miles takes us behind the scenes as city leaders team up with family and friends of lieutenant mark “chi chi” Rodriguez … To help the Gautier police officer and his family in his fight against m-s.
Rocky Fremin and friends will be equipped with clubs and taking swings …
On the golf course that is…
At an upcoming fundraiser on Saturday, April 7th, to help long time Gautier police officer … Lieutenant mark “Chi Chi” Rodriguez…. In his battle with multiple sclerosis. Rocky Fremin said,

” we’re having a three man scramble golf tournament. We need golf teams. We need golf sponsors. We’re looking for volunteers. We’re just hoping the whole community comes out to support mark and the fight against ms.”

And they’re off to a good start. As family, friends and city leaders, join forces in a show of strength and support. The entire group was banding together to organize several different fund raising venues and events, including a fish fry on April 6th, on the eve of the golf tournament.

“we have a fish fry that’s going to be on Friday night at 6 pm. We’re going to have a live auction and a silent auction, as well as live music and a cash bar.”

The 15 year Gautier police veteran was diagnosed with the debilitating brain and spinal cord disease two years ago, but is still in the fight, both on and off the job. Phil Torjusen, Gautier’s mayor says,

” he’s one of Gautier’s finest. I’d like to say this, on the way over here right now, i saw him on the side of the road doing his job. He’s been diagnosed with ms for a while. He’s still on the job.”

But still, the medical bills and other resulting expenses are piling up and, this is where family friend Rico Borrazzo says we can all help pay it forward when it comes to those who have dedicated their own lives to protect and serve the community,

” they have to face the danger…they have to face what the unknown is all about, and they do it and they do it well. Mark has lived all that. So i reach out to everybody, please set the time aside to show this man who has done so much for us, give him a little bit.”