Help a Dedicated Officer on His Road to Recovery

Help a Dedicated Officer on His Road to Recovery

Hello everyone,

My name is Thomas, and I’m reaching out on behalf of one of the finest officers I’ve ever had the privilege to serve alongside—Chris Carter. Chris has dedicated his life to protecting and serving our community with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Today, he needs our support as he faces one of the toughest battles of his life.

The Incident

On October 25, 2023, what began as a routine day for Chris turned into a life-altering event. While responding to an emergency—a tragic drowning on the beach—Chris sustained a severe injury while rushing to carry an AED across the soft, shifting sand. Despite the immediate and intense pain, Chris, like the true professional he is, pressed on to do everything he could to save a life. Sadly, the situation ended in tragedy, and it also marked the beginning of Chris’s own personal ordeal.

The Injury

Chris suffered a herniation of the L5-S1 disk in his lower back, an injury that quickly escalated, leaving him in unbearable pain. The herniation was so severe that it eventually rendered him non-ambulatory, necessitating emergency hospitalization. The injury compressed the sciatic nerve, causing a mix of agony and paralysis in his leg. After consulting with multiple specialists, surgery was deemed the only viable option to prevent further permanent damage.

The Road to Recovery

On November 8, 2023, Chris underwent a discectomy and fusion of the L5-S1 disk. Since then, he has been fighting tirelessly through physical therapy, working harder than he ever has in his life. Unfortunately, despite his relentless effort, Chris was diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome in March. Scar tissue and nerve damage have left him with chronic pain, limited mobility, and a new reality that he is forced to adapt to every day.

The Next Steps

Chris is now facing the difficult process of medical retirement, a heart-wrenching transition for someone who has devoted his life to public service. If approved, this medical retirement will result in a significant reduction in his income—by as much as 50%. This new financial reality, coupled with ongoing medical expenses and the challenges of transitioning to a new career path, has placed an immense burden on Chris and his family.

Why We Need Your Help

Chris has always been there for our community—now it’s our turn to be there for him. The financial burden of medical bills, ongoing treatments, and adjusting to a reduced income is overwhelming. We’re raising funds to help Chris cover these expenses and provide him with the support he needs to navigate this new chapter in his life.

A Final Note

Working with Chris has been the greatest honor of my life. He’s a man of courage, integrity, and endless dedication. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a world of difference. Let’s come together to take care of one of our own, as he has always taken care of us.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Stay strong, be better every day, and let’s take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Thomas Harper

Officer, Jacksonville Beach Police Department