ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Two officers who were shot only days ago, one suffering life-threatening injuries, had their community step up in a big way to support the young family. Donations continue to pour in and in just 48 hours, nearly $200k has already been raised.
Sgt. Christian Ivanov, the critically wounded officer and a father of three young children, had a GoFundMe page started on his behalf to help support the family as they navigate through this extremely difficult time.
Ivanov was initially listed in critical condition and medical personnel were uncertain he would survive. Thankfully, his condition has been upgraded to serious but stable. There is no doubt his road to recovery will be a long, arduous one.
“He definitely has a long road ahead of him but he’s a fighter. He’s a tough guy. We’re very fortunate to have him as a member of our agency as one of our sergeants,” Chief of Atlantic City Police James Sarkos said.
Chief Sarkos credits the medical response team with saving Sgt. Ivanov’s life.
“On behalf of the entire Atlantic City Police Department, I want to extend our deepest thanks to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and its trauma team, nurses, doctors, and support staff,” Chief Sarkos said in a statement. “Their rapid, highly skilled response under immense pressure was nothing short of lifesaving, and we are forever grateful for their professionalism and compassion.”
The incident occured when Ivanov and his partner, who was also shot but has since been released from the hospital, went to serve Donald Gardner, 52, of Atlantic City, with a search warrant. It was reported that Gardner shot the two officers and a third officer on the scene returned fire, killing Gardner.
Gardner was no stranger to law enforcement. In 1994, he was convicted of murder and released on parole in 2012. Shortly thereafter in 2013, Gardner led Atlantic City police on a chase that ended up in a shootout, but survived the incident.
“Atlantic City is familiar with him. We were familiar with him since back then. And I know he’s been arrested and released and put on parole or whatever, numerous times,” retired Police Chief Jose Ruiz, who is familiar with the 2013 incident, told local media.
Massive Community Support
Since the shooting on June 2nd, Sgt. Ivanov has received widespread financial support after a family member started a GoFundMe page.
“To many, Christian is a highly respected SWAT Sergeant with the Atlantic City Police Department, a leader who has spent his career running toward danger when others are running away from it,” the GoFundMe page wrote. “But beyond the badge, Christian is so much more. He is a devoted husband to his wife and a loving father to three young children who are now facing an uncertain and difficult road ahead.”
The GoFundMe page has already raised nearly $200k in only two days to support the family. This financial support is much needed as it often takes weeks, oftentimes months before departmental and insurance benefits kick in.
The last thing the family needs is to be concerned with finances during these extremely difficult and emotional times.
Our heroes in blue deserve all the support they can get, and then some.
If you also want to support the family, visit the GoFundMe page HERE.
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
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