Pakistani Physician Society donates $5K to help Chicago police buy bulletproof vests
After several Chicago police officers were killed in the line of duty in the past several months, the Pakistani Physician Society decided to donate for a bulletproof vest to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation to protect police officers. The ceremony was held Dec. 15 at Chicago Police Department headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave. It was attended by Commander Roberto Nieves of 24th District, Dr. Sajid Mehmood (event chair of the the Pakistani Physician Society), Dr. Tariq Butt, Dr. Amin Nadeem, Salman Aftab, and several prominent Pakistani community members.
The Pakistani Physicians Society of Illinois is a part and local chapter of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America. APPNA is one of the largest ethnic medical societies in North America representing more than 12,000 physicians and health care professionals of Pakistani descent serving across the United States and Canada. APPNA and PPS brought together motivated doctors sprinkled throughout the United States to volunteer at free clinics, perform charitable acts, and has also aided in times of dire emergencies when natural disasters hit both the U.S. and Pakistan.
Dr. Rahat Sheikh, current president of Pakistani Physician Society, said in interview "Chicago police are performing an important role to save our city. We are here today to support the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's "Get Behind the Vest" initiative. We are here today to give money and support to protect those who protect us."
Pakistani Physicians Society coordinator Salman Aftab said, "We are here today. Chicago Police Department deserve our gratitude for the work they do."
During an interview with Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said, "I can't tell you enough how I thank the Pakistani Physician Society for their generous donation. The vest is saving our officer's life those work hard for citizens of Chicago. Each new officer gets one when they join the force, but officers must buy all replacements. Vests cost about $500 each. Vest needs to be replaced every 5 years but mostly used longer."
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of fallen Chicago Police heroes. The foundation provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago Police Officers who were killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation spokesman says a bulletproof vest needs to be replaced every 5 years; officers are responsible for replacing their own vests. The vests estimate only a five-year lifespan for the lifesaving gear. The foundation is always looking for organization and businesses to donate.