The Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office is asking the East Texas community to come to the aid of one of their deputies.

Several weeks ago, in a post on their Facebook Page, the NCSO gave an update on Deputy Patrick Martin.  At that time, Martin had been hospitalized for over a week with severe heart complications.  According to the post, Martin had obtained a virus (not related to COVID) that attacked his lungs.  Soon, the virus made it into his blood stream and started damaging his heart.

Over the past month, there have been promising and then not so promising reports.  Yesterday (December 1) on their Facebook Page, the NCSO revealed that the latest news on Martin's condition has not been good.  Recent tests have shown that the condition of his heart had worsened.

Deputy Martin is now waiting for an opening at one of two Houston-area hospitals where he’ll undergo surgery to be fitted with a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, which will help his damaged heart. He’s also being placed on the heart transplant list, as well. To make the situation even tougher, Deputy Martin’s wife has also been dealing with some major medical issues.

On Friday, December 10, the Nacogdoches County Peace Officers Association will host a BBQ fundraiser to help the Martin family through the difficulties that come with a long, hard fight against a life-threatening illness. Plates will be sold for $10 each and will include pulled pork, beans and potato salad prepared by Racks BBQ and Catering.

Tickets can be preordered by calling Ginger at the sheriff’s office at 936-560-7776 or emailing vpruitt@nac-sheriff.com. Cash and checks will be accepted the day of the benefit, which will be held at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center.  Donations can be made to the Martin family through an account set up in his name at Commercial Bank, or through the Nacogdoches County Peace Officers Association by Venmo (@NCPOAA) and CashApp ($NCPOAA).

All proceeds from the benefit, and donations received by the peace officers association will help cover medical and living expenses for the Martin family.

Patrick Martin has been a deputy for the Sheriff’s Office since 2013.

 

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