By Mary O’KEEFE
Today, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glendale Police Department’s Community Room, 512 E. Wilson Ave., officers will hold a fundraiser luncheon for one of their own.
Jorge Acevedo has been with the GPD for 10 years, both as a volunteer and as a staff employee. He is a well-known and beloved member of the force not just because he comes to work everyday happy and works hard at everything he does, but because he has become an inspiration to many around him.
“Jorge is currently suffering some medical issues,” said Tahnee Lightfoot, GPD spokeswoman.
The department is conducting a benefit to raise funds to assist Acevedo’s family with modifications of their home for better wheelchair access.
On the night of Dec. 24, 1999 Acevedo was driving down a street in Los Angeles. He remembers the street and stopping at the stop sign, but then gunfire through his car window struck him.
His battle to live was great, but his strength in character was greater.
“These wounds that I suffered were life changing,” he said in a video depicting his life. “I had to learn how to tie my shoes, how to put on my shirt … learning how to [do] everything once again.”
At the time of the shooting, Acevedo was attending a Cal State university. Once he was able he went back to college, this time at Glendale Community College where he earned his degree. In the video he spoke of wanting to work with the Glendale police.
His mother took him to the station and he started volunteering. He now works as a community officer.
“He assists me a lot with media and archiving [information]. He takes photos of city events,” Lightfoot said.
In the video, Capt. Todd Stokes praised Acevedo.
“We are here day in and day out working. Sometimes you feel a little down but Jorge will show up. He [has] such high energy it can’t help but put a smile on your face,” Stokes said.
Acevedo has long been an inspiration to the department and they want to show their support.
The public is invited to the luncheon. A donation of $7 gets a hot dog or hamburger, salad and drink. There will be raffle prizes.
A GoFundMe page has been created. To donate visit http://www.gofundme.com/JorgeAcevedo
Acevedo’s video is on YouTube, search Jorge.
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