Van for Disabled Police Officer

On May 5th 1992 my husband, David Parde, was working as a police officer in Lexington NC.  On the night of May 5th he was sent to answer a prowler call at a local apartment complex where three individuals were posing as Domino's Pizza delivery people to gain access into people's homes to rob them.  When David arrived and started searching for these individuals he was shot in his back by one of them.  Even though David was wearing his bullet proof vest, the bullet pierced the strap and he was left a T-2 paraplegic, leaving him paralyzed from his chest down and never to walk again.  David is an exceptional person and is admired by his peers, he volunteers with the local DARE program, talks to local church groups and continues to inspire others by telling his story of that night.  He has never been angry or revengeful due his incident and in fact, he has used his injury to be a positive role model for so many people that he has come in contact with.

David had assistance getting a wheelchair accessible van from Workers' Compensation at the time of his injury over 21 years ago.  Unfortunately, the van is in need of replacement, David is unable to work and no longer has the funds available to him to help purchase a new one for him.  The cost of the van and handicap equipment together is around $70,000.00.  Although there are many grants available to disabled military veterans (as there should be) there are very limited options available to police officers injured in the line of duty here at home, that is why I am coming to you for help.

I am truely grateful to everyone for helping to raise this money so that David may continue to try to live as independent as possible.