Help Save Craig’s Casa!
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A very good friend of mine (and phenomenal person), Craig Koppenhaver, is about to lose his home. Craig was a Paramedic at Albuquerque Ambulance and was truly a natural - so much so that he rose quickly to become a Field Supervisor. I have had the opportunity to talk to a couple of his coworkers who spoke about his dedication and compassion with fervor and respect. It’s not common to hear about someone who is not only passionate about their job, but also respected and well known years after their departure.
One night in December 2011, Craig was supervising and responded to a call with his crew. He got separated from his crew and instead arrived at the same time as the fire department. They found something that would change their lives forever - a one month old baby girl who had been sexually and physically abused to her tragic death. I don't know more than that except that the call was so horrific that it made national news.
Craig was immediately and visibly changed. Working at Albuquerque Ambulance was no longer an option due to the trauma. Even after years of therapy and other forms of trying to heal, PTSD has prevented Craig from returning to the job that he knows he was put on this earth to do.
Since then, his finances have been in steady decline and he even took to a fast food job to make some money. But the situation became even worse when two utility emergencies occurred. First, a costly problem with his gas meter necessitating it’s removal and reinstallation. Until it happens, he is without heat. Next, a problem with his electric meter was causing the wall to become so hot to the touch that it could ignite any second. He called PNM to come out and fix this, but instead, they shut off his power. PNM is requiring costly repairs, upgrades, and inspections. The estimates for both to be taken care of are in the thousands of dollars.
As if this wasn't enough, the City showed up and is threatening to deem the house “substandard”. This will make it uninhabitable by anyone, forcing Craig and his dogs (Razz and Casey) into homelessness.
He told me two things about that night I want to share with you - he said that if he had a magic wand and could make it so he never went on that call, he wouldn't change a thing. He said he HAD to be there so that he knew someone was there to care for that baby in her short life. He is grateful that he was able to bear witness to her as a beautiful baby girl. Second, he said that he was glad that they arrived before his ambulance crew and the fire department. In doing so, the three of them “took the bullet” and protected the 6 or 7 other men and women from having to live through what they had.
I have known Craig for almost 10 years now, and I can attest eagerness to live life to the fullest - his jovial nature is just as contagious as his laugh. :) He still goes out of his way to help others when they are in need (he’s helped me on several occasions with car problems, rides here and there when I didn’t have a car, etc.) and is one of those people who’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He deserves happiness after half a decade of experiencing hardship after hardship. I want to do everything in my power to make sure he is not homeless! Anything you are able to donate will be received with the utmost gratitude. Please, help someone who has helped so many in the past.
One night in December 2011, Craig was supervising and responded to a call with his crew. He got separated from his crew and instead arrived at the same time as the fire department. They found something that would change their lives forever - a one month old baby girl who had been sexually and physically abused to her tragic death. I don't know more than that except that the call was so horrific that it made national news.
Craig was immediately and visibly changed. Working at Albuquerque Ambulance was no longer an option due to the trauma. Even after years of therapy and other forms of trying to heal, PTSD has prevented Craig from returning to the job that he knows he was put on this earth to do.
Since then, his finances have been in steady decline and he even took to a fast food job to make some money. But the situation became even worse when two utility emergencies occurred. First, a costly problem with his gas meter necessitating it’s removal and reinstallation. Until it happens, he is without heat. Next, a problem with his electric meter was causing the wall to become so hot to the touch that it could ignite any second. He called PNM to come out and fix this, but instead, they shut off his power. PNM is requiring costly repairs, upgrades, and inspections. The estimates for both to be taken care of are in the thousands of dollars.
As if this wasn't enough, the City showed up and is threatening to deem the house “substandard”. This will make it uninhabitable by anyone, forcing Craig and his dogs (Razz and Casey) into homelessness.
He told me two things about that night I want to share with you - he said that if he had a magic wand and could make it so he never went on that call, he wouldn't change a thing. He said he HAD to be there so that he knew someone was there to care for that baby in her short life. He is grateful that he was able to bear witness to her as a beautiful baby girl. Second, he said that he was glad that they arrived before his ambulance crew and the fire department. In doing so, the three of them “took the bullet” and protected the 6 or 7 other men and women from having to live through what they had.
I have known Craig for almost 10 years now, and I can attest eagerness to live life to the fullest - his jovial nature is just as contagious as his laugh. :) He still goes out of his way to help others when they are in need (he’s helped me on several occasions with car problems, rides here and there when I didn’t have a car, etc.) and is one of those people who’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He deserves happiness after half a decade of experiencing hardship after hardship. I want to do everything in my power to make sure he is not homeless! Anything you are able to donate will be received with the utmost gratitude. Please, help someone who has helped so many in the past.
Organizer
Mychal James
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM
