Hamden Police Officer 'Pays It Forward', Donates Hockey Game Proceeds to Cancer Center

When members of the Hamden Police Department and Fire Department laced up their skates for the annual “Sleeping Giant Cup” charity hockey game, it was unanimously decided that the proceeds from the game would go to Officer Mark Gery to assist in his recovery from esophageal cancer.

Gery, however, had other ideas.

Upon being made aware of the intent of his fellow officers and the firefighters, Gery graciously and selflessly made the decision to donate all of the proceeds to the Smilow Cancer Center Pediatric Oncology Unit. Gery was treated for his illness at the Smilow Cancer Center.

This year’s game, which was played April 18, was organized by Hamden Police Officers William May and Shawn Nutcher, along with Hamden Fire Department Lieutenant C.J. Hedges and Firefighter Kevin Marne.

The departments raised $3,200 in the tightly contested game, which was won by the Hamden Police Department by a 4-3 score.

On May 5, Officer Gery and Officer May presented a check of $3,200 to the Smilow Cancer Center Pediatric Oncology Unit.