JPSO Deputy Doug Graffeo Crash Fund
Donation protected
On the morning of Nov. 13, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Graffeo had just finished escorting the Denver Broncos to the Superdome for that afternoon’s Saints game. He was riding his motorcycle away from the Dome when he was hit by an SUV driver who pulled into the intersection at Perdido and Claiborne, and neither saw nor heard his motorcycle in oncoming traffic.
Doug went headfirst into the SUV’s rear window and was flung onto the pavement. A passing Tulane med student and EMS reported that he had no vital signs for three minutes. Miraculously, they were able to revive him and transport him to nearby University Hospital. He sustained multiple injuries, the worst of which are a head injury, a shoulder injury, a mouth of damaged teeth, and a gruesomely shattered left arm. He has undergone two surgeries to repair the damage, and is facing a long recovery, months of physical therapy, and extensive dental work. He remains unable to pass a concussion protocol, and cannot return to work in any capacity.
The SUV driver had minimal insurance coverage, which doesn’t even begin to cover medical expenses, let alone the other financial damage caused by the accident. Because he was working an escort, he was technically off-duty, and is not eligible for the same benefits and protections as officers who are injured on-duty. His personal insurance covers many of the expenses, but has hefty out-of-pocket costs and doesn't cover many of the procedures he has had and will continue to need for the foreseeable future. Unable to work for two months and counting, Doug’s situation is becoming grim. He is now entering another calendar year, with another substantial deductible to be met, and the bills are mounting. This campaign will help him with these deductibles and uncovered medical expenses, as well as other expenses related to his injuries.
Like so many LEOs, Doug is too proud to ask for help, so some of his friends are starting this campaign in the hope that the community will rally around a good officer and an all-around great guy. He has done so much for others, it’s our turn to help him out.
Doug went headfirst into the SUV’s rear window and was flung onto the pavement. A passing Tulane med student and EMS reported that he had no vital signs for three minutes. Miraculously, they were able to revive him and transport him to nearby University Hospital. He sustained multiple injuries, the worst of which are a head injury, a shoulder injury, a mouth of damaged teeth, and a gruesomely shattered left arm. He has undergone two surgeries to repair the damage, and is facing a long recovery, months of physical therapy, and extensive dental work. He remains unable to pass a concussion protocol, and cannot return to work in any capacity.
The SUV driver had minimal insurance coverage, which doesn’t even begin to cover medical expenses, let alone the other financial damage caused by the accident. Because he was working an escort, he was technically off-duty, and is not eligible for the same benefits and protections as officers who are injured on-duty. His personal insurance covers many of the expenses, but has hefty out-of-pocket costs and doesn't cover many of the procedures he has had and will continue to need for the foreseeable future. Unable to work for two months and counting, Doug’s situation is becoming grim. He is now entering another calendar year, with another substantial deductible to be met, and the bills are mounting. This campaign will help him with these deductibles and uncovered medical expenses, as well as other expenses related to his injuries.
Like so many LEOs, Doug is too proud to ask for help, so some of his friends are starting this campaign in the hope that the community will rally around a good officer and an all-around great guy. He has done so much for others, it’s our turn to help him out.
Organizer and beneficiary
Roberta LeGrand
Organizer
New Orleans, LA
douglas graffeo
Beneficiary