Heartbeats For Heroes: Savings Lives One AED At A Time

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The Heartbeats For Heroes Campaign Are Co-hosted By Margaret Musgrave and Nancy Drake

In the heart of Evansville, there’s a movement underway to ensure that our local heroes have the tools they need to protect and serve our community effectively. The Evansville Police Department, a dedicated force of around 150 officers strong is getting a much-needed boost in their life-saving capabilities through a private fundraiser known as “Heartbeats for Heroes.” This remarkable initiative aims to raise funds to equip the department with crucial Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and create a safer Evansville for everyone.

AEDs are small, portable devices that are nothing short of miracles when it comes to saving lives during cardiac emergencies. They can be the difference between life and death, and when it comes to our first responders, having access to these devices is absolutely vital. Currently, out of the 150 police cars operated by the Evansville Police Department, only 14 are equipped with functioning AEDs. This is a gap that Heartbeats for Heroes is determined to close.

The urgency of this initiative became all too apparent in May 2023 when an Evansville Police Officer experienced a major cardiac event while on duty. Thanks to the presence of an AED, his life was saved. It’s a stark reminder that our dedicated officers put their lives on the line daily, and they deserve every tool at their disposal to ensure their safety and well-being.

Each AED costs $1,650, and it’s our collective responsibility as a community to ensure that our local heroes have access to these life-saving devices. But we’re not doing it alone. The generosity of Diana Moers and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office has set an inspiring example by donating a substantial $10,000 to this cause. Their support is not only appreciated but serves as a rallying cry for all of us to come together and make a difference.

The Heartbeats for Heroes fundraiser was recently.  It’s co-hosted by Margaret Musgrave and Nancy Drake, who are committed to making this endeavor a resounding success. But the impact doesn’t stop there; donations will be collected through October 13, 2023, ensuring that every member of our community has an opportunity to contribute to this vital cause.

To make your contribution, you can send your donations to the following address:

Heartbeats for Heroes, PO Box 873, Evansville, IN 47706

Please make checks payable to the Deaconess Foundation.

FOOTNOTE:  The “Heartbeats for Heroes” fundraiser isn’t just about acquiring AEDs; it’s about showing our support and appreciation for the brave men and women who protect us every day. Let’s come together, dig deep, and ensure that our Evansville Police Department has the tools they need to save lives and keep our community safe. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a life-saving difference. Join us in this heartwarming mission, and let’s make Evansville a safer place for all. Together, we can ensure that every hero’s heartbeat continues to protect our city.