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Date: 11/20/2023
CHICOPEE — Chicopee police officer Mark Wilkes was presented with a $13,000 check from the Rumbleseat Bar & Grille on Nov. 16. Rumbleseat Owner Billy Stetson shared that about 80% of the funding was raised through a golf tournament they hosted for Wilkes, with the rest of the money coming from umbrella sales. In March, Wilkes suffered a heart attack after playing in the Chicopee Police vs. Fire Department’s annual Battle of the Badges hockey game. On the way to the hospital, Wilkes coded, but was brought back to life. During a 175-day hospital stay, Wilkes suffered a stroke, kidney failure and another heart attack. “It’s been a long haul,” Wilkes said. “I feel like I’m a miracle. You have to say there’s a higher power out there that’s looking out for you and there’s a reason why I’m still here … I feel like I’m blessed and honored that I’m still here.” Wilkes said he is grateful to the community, along with Stetson and others who have supported him throughout this journey.