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Date: 3/21/2023
CHICOPEE — Members of the community are rallying in support of Chicopee police officer Mark Wilkes, who was suddenly admitted to the hospital on March 12 after a serious medical event.
The Chicopee Police Department issued a press release detailing the incident. Shortly after the city’s annual Battle of the Badges game, which pits the Fire Department and Police Department against each other in a charitable hockey game, Wilkes returned home at 7:30 p.m. and expressed he was not feeling well. He then called an ambulance for medical support.
“[The] Chicopee Fire Department responded and transported Officer Wilkes to the hospital. While on the way to the hospital Officer Wilkes suffered a serious medical event and CPR was started immediately by the firefighters on the ambulance. These life saving measures continued the entire ride to the hospital,” said the Police Department.
Officer Wilkes is currently in the intensive care unit undergoing treatment and is expected to have “a long road to recovery.” The Police Department is asking everyone in the community “to keep Officer Wilkes and his family in their thoughts and prayers as he continues to fight.”
Mayor John Vieau’s office issued reflections on the news in a March 15 press release.
“Our beloved brother-in-blue has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but we remain hopeful and optimistic for his full recovery,” said Vieau’s office.
Vieau’s team expressed appreciation for the medical officials who aided Wilkes during the serious medical event.
“We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the doctors and nurses who have been tirelessly caring for Officer Wilkes during his stay in the hospital,” said Vieau’s office.
They also wished Wilkes a speedy recovery as he remains in the intensive care unit.
Since posting the press release on Facebook, the post has been commented and shared by over 300 community members. Many in the comment section expressed their positive wishes to Wilkes and his family during difficult times.
On March 17, the Police Department posted that Wilkes is “showing progress and continues to fight every day.” The department is currently selling $5 decals with all the proceeds going toward Wilkes’ family during his recovery. The decals can be purchased at the Police Department headquarters at 110 Church St.