As hard as it is to believe, it is now approaching two weeks since Major John Waldenville, OCSO was shot. John, a true friend of RLEOs and a long-term supporter of reserve programs, continues his stay in the Trauma ICU and continues to be kept under sedation due to cranial pressure. The pressure initially was in the 30’s, dropped to 10, but since has increased to about 15 to 20. They need this pressure to drop to 10 or below. John has lost vision in his right eye, but - there is a chance he may still have hearing in his right ear. The slug is still lodged below his right ear, but it is a good two inches away from the artery, so they are not concerned about removing the slug until the body itself moves it near the surface for easier removal. John is scheduled for a minor surgery today to remove a couple of tubes and snip the wires on his jaw and insert a new feeding tube. John continues to hold his own and we all know he is a survivor. John faces many challenges, but every day is slight progress and another step along that long road to recovery. Please continue to keep John and his family in your prayers. Also keep his Sheriff’s Office family in your prayers – we really miss John, his smile, his leadership and his presence – and look forward to his return (soon).
Tonight, June 7, from 6 to 9 pm, there is a Waldenville Benefit Tip-A-Cop at Old Chicago Restaurant, 7301 SE 29, Midwest City(Towne Center Shopping Center, near SE 29 & Air Depot). Contact Deputy Eric Haskins if you are interested in waiting tables tonight and come out and eat at the restaurant tonight to support this effort.
On June 11, there is a bowling tournament (flyer attached) at AMF Bowling Lanes in Edmond to benefit Oklahoma City Police Officer Chad Perry who was off-duty at a restaurant with his dad when he was called upon by the management to break up an altercation on February 15. Three of the individuals turned on Chad after he identified himself as a police officer. Chad, age 34, is married with 4 young children, and is now a quadriplegic, however has amazed doctors with some mobility in his arms and upper body. Chad has directed that proceeds from the bowling tournament be shared with John Waldenville. What a selfless and amazing person Chad is, even in the midst of his own battle.
On June 27 there is a benefit golf tournament and silent auction (flyer attached). If you want to play, we need that information quickly. We also need silent auction items.
We are establishing a website to keep everyone updated on John’s progress –
www.johnwaldenville.com – which should be active in a couple of days.
Donations: Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 155 or OCSO FOP 155 (a 501c4 tax deductible entity)
Please write John Waldenville in the memo line
P.O. Box 2923, Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Cards: Major John Waldenville
c/o Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office
201 N. Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Plants / Flowers: John cannot have flowers / plants in the ICU
Mitzi and I are amazed at the contacts we have received regarding John who is so highly thought of not only at home, but we have received contacts of concern from all across the United States. Thanks for your continued concern. We will continue to share news of John’s recovery and challenges with you.
Sheriff John and Mitzi Whetsel, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office
