Help for Officer Vernon, Family Begins to Come In

Florissant and area organizations continue to rally behind a Florissant police officer who was shot in the line of duty earlier this week.

Friday, The Backstoppers, an organization that aids families of police, firefighters and other public safety officials, donated $50,000 to Officer Mike Vernon and his family at DePaul Health Center, where he's being treated.

“The Vernon family is in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. We consider it an honor and privilege to be able to assist Officer Vernon in this time of need,” Backstoppers Executive Director Chief Ron Battelle said.

According to Fox 2 News, Officer Vernon has been permanently paralyzed from the waist down, due to a gunshot wound that injured his spinal cord. Officer Vernon responded to a call early Monday morning when he was shot three times by Brian Cannon Jr., according to police.

Saturday, will be hosting a fundraiser for Vernon and his family from 2-10 p.m.

On Sunday, June 10, will also be hosting a cut-a-thon from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. One hundred percent of the donations will go to the Florissant Police Officers Association, in care of Officer Mike Vernon.

For those interested in making donations to Officer Vernon and his family, send a check to: 

Florissant Police Officers Welfare Association
In care of Officer Mike Vernon
1700 N. Highway 67
Florissant, MO 63033