St. Ferdinand Athletic Association Donates $15K to Officer Mike Vernon

Almost one year after being shot and injured in the line of duty, Florissant Police Officer Mike Vernon has continued to receive an outpouring of support from the community.

Wednesday night, the St. Ferdinand Athletic Association presented Vernon with a check for $15,000 from its annual tournament at Cugino’s. The association held a basketball tournament for third and fourth grade boys and girls and sold food, which raised the funds for Vernon.

“It’s a happy climax to a lot of hard work,” tournament organizer Michael Feldmann said. “This is a happy day for all of us.”

The organization presented the check on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, when officers honor those killed in the line of duty.

Last year, someone shot Vernon three times in the line of duty. The injuries left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Feldmann said he had originally hoped to raise $10,000, but in his heart he hoped for $15,000.

“After the first days, it was surpassing what we had done in past years,” he said. “All of the publicity brought the public out.”

Florissant City Councilman and Maryland Heights police officer Joe Eagan said that in his dual roles, he’s happy to have been able to help a fellow officer.

“The police department is the chief’s department,” he said. “As a councilman, you take ownership of the department, too. Everyday we say prayers for Maryland Heights and Florissant officers. We’ve done something great to help [Vernon] and his family.”

For Vernon, he said the entire experience is humbling and more than he could ever dream.

“I’ve been given more than I could ever ask for,” he said. “I was just doing my job.”

Vernon also said while he appreciates the recognitions, the real heroes are those who sacrifice their lives for us. He said those affected families need it more than he does.

May 28 will mark the one-year anniversary of when Vernon was injured in the line of duty.

For other articles related to Mike Vernon, check out: 

• Florissant Police Officer Mike Vernon Keeps Positive Outlook
• Injured Florissant Police Officer Speaks Out at Recent Concert
• Update: Police Questioning Person of Interest Following Shooting of Florissant Police Officer
• Florissant Officials Pay Tribute to Injured Officer
• Man Charged With Florissant Officer Shooting Has Day in Court