Hello,I am reaching out on behalf of a friend and colleague, Officer Jonathon Barnes. I’ll try to keep this brief while giving you a bit of background on Jon and his current situation, for those who are unfamiliar.Jon is a fellow officer at the City of Middletown Police Department. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been a genuine friend, a devoted husband, and a dedicated colleague who’s always eager to lend a helping hand—both on and off duty. Jon is the kind of person we are fortunate to have representing our profession. His commitment to serving and protecting this community is consistently evident in everything he does.Unfortunately, despite maintaining an active lifestyle and staying in shape, Jon has been faced with significant health challenges. Back in October Jon collapsed on the floor of his home, losing consciousness. After being rushed and admitted to the hospital under a code Neuro, and undergoing a series of tests and evaluations it was revealed Jon had a tumor on his Pituitary gland, three herniated discs, Babesiosis disease, and was in heart failure. The next couple of months consisted of doctor's and testing to reveal the causes, and treatments. Leaving Jon and his family with no clear outcome of what his future held. 5 months later, the doctors have given up on the cause, and focused solely on recovery. As a result, Jon has been unable to work and will remain that way until his doctor clears him for duty. Jon has been working tirelessly in his rehabilitation efforts, and despite the severity of his prognosis, has gone from using a walker, to a cane, to finally unassisted. Jon is improving everyday but has not yet reached a point to where the doctors can clear him for full duty.Unfortunately, despite his determination, progress, and the department’s unwavering support, Jon has not been able to return to work. As a result, Jon has exhausted all of his accrued time, and had to use all of the generous time donations from fellow officers. This has left Officer Barnes without pay—no income for bills, daily living expenses, high medical bills, or insurance that both he and his wife, Kayla, who suffers from multiple sclerosis disease, are dependent on.We are seeking to raise money for Jon, to help cover these critical costs and support Jon during this challenging time. Anyone who knows Jon knows how reluctant he was to even allow us to write this on his behalf, which speaks volumes to his character. Even though he would be the first to step up and help someone else in his position, without hesitation.As of today, we are hopeful for Jon to be cleared for duty, though we do not know when that will be. What is known is that Jon is in dire need of assistance.Losing Jon as a member would be a great loss for both this department, and community. Officer Barnes is truly more than deserving of our support, as someone whose always been there for others. Jon is now in need of our support, to help lift alleviate this heavy burden.We are asking for your help, whether it’s through a donation or by simply sharing this message—to provide financial support during this time. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference.On behalf of all of us at the City of Middletown, thank you for taking the time to read Jon’s story and for your generosity.Stay safe and thank you again.