Jamal Phelps Assistance Fund
Donation protected
The evening of April 9th, 2015 was just like any other. At 6:30 PM, the men and women of the Kingsport Police Department's First Platoon reported for nightshift roll call. As with thousands of departments across the nation, it seemed like an ordinary evening until the formal roll was called by the watch commander.
One officer was missing.
Jamal Phelps grew up in Chicago. By all accounts, he was a very successful athlete throughout college. In 2004, he came to the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee. Recruited by a track scholarship to Milligan College, Jamal excelled as a student-athlete, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
A devout Christian, Jamal spent many Sundays at Holy Mountain Baptist Church where he devoted much of his time to the Children's Ministry. He eventually was befriended by a fellow church member who was an officer with the Kingsport Police Department and was recruited in 2014.
Jamal attended the Regional Law Enforcement Academy, a division of Walters State Community College -- itself a well-known regional institution of higher learning. Jamal again showed his ability as a humble but talented individual: He graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy as the class recipient of the "Outstanding Achievement Award." The award is given to the academy student who distinguishes him or herself as the most outstanding officer throughout the academy class.
Jamal went on to successfully complete his requisite Field Training before becomming a capable solo officer. Jamal had completed a tour of about six months, and had recently attended a specialized investigations school.
April 9th began for most people like any other. For Jamal, it was the beginning of an incredibly difficult journey.
Jamal never made it to First Platoon's roll call.
His absence was extremely unusual. Members of First Platoon immediately set to calling his house phone and cell phones. When they received no answer, his friends and fellow officers went to his residence where they found him lying helplessly in his floor.
Jamal, at the age of 34, had suffered a massive stroke.
He was immediately taken to Holston Valley Medical Center, a regional Level 1 trauma center in Kingsport.
Jamal's entire left side is paralyzed.
He has since been transferred to UT Knoxville's Medical Center, and is undergoing extensive treatment in an effort to minimize the damage to his brain. His medical bills are astronomical, and his treatment and rehabilitation will continue for many years. His familiy hopes to have him transferred to a facility in Chicago so that they may be closer to him as he recovers.
In the interim, the Knoxville Police Department has graciously taken him in as one of their own. They have been instrumental in arranging lodging for his family and chipped in to help cover some of their expenses.
Chief David Quillin of the Kingsport Police Deparment had this to say:
"Although his career at the Kingsport Police Department was cut short, Jamal took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of Kingsport. I, as well as all of his fellow officers, are keeping him ever present in our thoughts and prayers and will always consider him a part of our family here at K.P.D."
Chief Quillin went further to extend his gratitute to the Knoxville Police Department:
"The men and women of K.P.D. also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Knoxville Police Department for treating Jamal like one of their own and arranging for lodging and transportation for his family during his stay at the U.T. Medical Center."
Jamal will soon use the last of his available sick and vacation time. He is months away from being in a position to file for any long-term disability assistance. He has already lost his ability to walk, talk, and enjoy a career he loved.
Please help him to be able to keep fighting.
One officer was missing.
Jamal Phelps grew up in Chicago. By all accounts, he was a very successful athlete throughout college. In 2004, he came to the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee. Recruited by a track scholarship to Milligan College, Jamal excelled as a student-athlete, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
A devout Christian, Jamal spent many Sundays at Holy Mountain Baptist Church where he devoted much of his time to the Children's Ministry. He eventually was befriended by a fellow church member who was an officer with the Kingsport Police Department and was recruited in 2014.
Jamal attended the Regional Law Enforcement Academy, a division of Walters State Community College -- itself a well-known regional institution of higher learning. Jamal again showed his ability as a humble but talented individual: He graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy as the class recipient of the "Outstanding Achievement Award." The award is given to the academy student who distinguishes him or herself as the most outstanding officer throughout the academy class.
Jamal went on to successfully complete his requisite Field Training before becomming a capable solo officer. Jamal had completed a tour of about six months, and had recently attended a specialized investigations school.
April 9th began for most people like any other. For Jamal, it was the beginning of an incredibly difficult journey.
Jamal never made it to First Platoon's roll call.
His absence was extremely unusual. Members of First Platoon immediately set to calling his house phone and cell phones. When they received no answer, his friends and fellow officers went to his residence where they found him lying helplessly in his floor.
Jamal, at the age of 34, had suffered a massive stroke.
He was immediately taken to Holston Valley Medical Center, a regional Level 1 trauma center in Kingsport.
Jamal's entire left side is paralyzed.
He has since been transferred to UT Knoxville's Medical Center, and is undergoing extensive treatment in an effort to minimize the damage to his brain. His medical bills are astronomical, and his treatment and rehabilitation will continue for many years. His familiy hopes to have him transferred to a facility in Chicago so that they may be closer to him as he recovers.
In the interim, the Knoxville Police Department has graciously taken him in as one of their own. They have been instrumental in arranging lodging for his family and chipped in to help cover some of their expenses.
Chief David Quillin of the Kingsport Police Deparment had this to say:
"Although his career at the Kingsport Police Department was cut short, Jamal took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of Kingsport. I, as well as all of his fellow officers, are keeping him ever present in our thoughts and prayers and will always consider him a part of our family here at K.P.D."
Chief Quillin went further to extend his gratitute to the Knoxville Police Department:
"The men and women of K.P.D. also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Knoxville Police Department for treating Jamal like one of their own and arranging for lodging and transportation for his family during his stay at the U.T. Medical Center."
Jamal will soon use the last of his available sick and vacation time. He is months away from being in a position to file for any long-term disability assistance. He has already lost his ability to walk, talk, and enjoy a career he loved.
Please help him to be able to keep fighting.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kingsport Pd
Organizer
Kingsport, TN
Micah Johnston
Beneficiary
