Robert (Bob) Weis
Willowick PD, Ohio

Dear 911 Cares,

Our Dispatch Center is in need of help for one of our fellow Dispatcher's. On June 22, 2007, our Dispatcher Robert (Bob) Weis took a bad fall from the roof of his house while cleaning the gutters. Bob is 47 years old and has been with our department, Willowick PD Ohio, full time for less than a year. Bob worked part time in two other department's before coming to us. Bob's fall caused him to shatter both of his heels. After a lengthy stay in the hospital and a major surgery to put pins, plates and screws into his right foot, Bob was released and returned to work several weeks later in a wheelchair with casts on both legs. Bob was told he could not put any weight on either foot until maybe October. His Doctor was not in total agreement with him returning to work so soon but Bob needed too.

Well Bob probably should have stayed home longer but had to return to work for financial reasons. Being that he had not finished his probationary period, which was August 13, 2007, he would have had to pay for the full amount of his medical insurance, which is right around $1000.00 per month. Bob chose to come back early for this reason and others.

Bob's wife Stephanie is a Nurse's Assistance at one of our county hospital's. Just before Bob took his fall Stephanie fractured her shoulder while helping to move a patient. So needless to say she suffered some loss of work and income. At this time when Stephanie needs a day off to help her husband she does not get paid either. It was quite difficult for awhile for Stephanie to move Bob around in his wheelchair with her fractured shoulder. However, they managed and things were starting to look up for them.

While Bob was back to work we helped him get around in his wheelchair so that he would be more comfortable while at work. Well within about 5 weeks Bob developed a very severe infection in his right foot. On August 17, 2007 Bob was rushed back to the hospital. He has been there ever since. Bob has had multiple surgeries so far with multiple more to come. They are working to control the infection but this has created irreparable damage to his right foot. On August 30, 2007 Bob had another major surgery to remove all of the pins, plates and screws in his foot to help control the infection. They also had to remove part of the heel bone as the infection had caused the bone to die. So basically they are starting from the beginning again and Bob still has no use of either foot.

Bob is scheduled for another major surgery September 10, 2007. This surgery will involve removing muscle from his arm to put into his foot to help blood flow to the injured heel. He will be in the hospital for at least another week and it is unknown at this time when he will be able to return to work. Bob is all out of sick, holiday, compensatory and vacation time. Bob worked previously for 17 years as a dispatcher for a towing company and has no pension. We have been talking about some different options at work to help him. My first thought was to contact 911 Cares.

We are looking for any help that anyone can possibly give. Money, gas cards, grocery cards or a simple get well card and prayers would surely help with Bob's depression. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Bob and if you can help we would certainly appreciate any and all of it!

Sincerely,

Angela Trend & The Willowick Police Department

For any kind or donations or cards, please send to:

Robert Weis
C/O Angela Trend
Willowick Police Dept.
30435 Lakeshore Blvd.
Willowick, Ohio 44095

Or phone contact can be made to Angela Trend at 440-585-1234.

Kevin Willett
PSTC - Public Safety Training Consultants
www.pstc911.com   www.911cares.com
WK: 650-591-7911 x 102
FAX: 650-591-8911
PGR: 800-880-5277
E-mail: kevin@pstc911.com
PO Box 5508 - Redwood City, CA 94063