Fundraiser Set for Middletown Police Officer Battling Brain Cancer

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A fundraiser is being held in support of Middletown Police Officer Matt Silvestrini, who is battling brain cancer, according to police.

The event will take place at Vandome, 102 Hamilton Street in New Haven, on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The band Driven will be playing and there will be food and a cash bar, according to a bulletin for the event.

Silvestrini, a former New Haven Police Officer, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing treatment.

“He is a true soldier and hero in his two young children’s eyes,” the bulletin states. “Let’s give him some additional strength during this difficult time!”

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased now or at the door. T-shirts are also being sold for $20, now or at the event.

Those interested in purchasing tickets, can contact the Middletown Police Department at 860-638-4000 and ask for the following people for tickets:

• Officer Anthony Knapp (dayshift)
• Officer Nick Puorro (evening shift)
• Officer Kurt Scrivo (Midnight shift)

Read more about the fundraising effort for Officer Silvestrini from the Middletown Police Department below:

Dear Business Owner/Resident,

The Middletown Police Department is asking the community for help for one of our own. Police Officer Matthew Silvestrini was recently diagnosed with a rare brain cancer and has had surgery to remove most of the tumor. Matthew is now starting radiation treatment and chemotherapy since they were not able to remove the entire tumor.

Officer Silvestrini is currently out of work, married with two young children and the primary financial provider. Prior to working for Middletown, Officer Silvestrini was a Police Officer with the New Haven Police Department. Before joining the New Haven Police Department Officer Silvestrini served in two combat tours in Iraq with the United States Army.

The Middletown Police Department in conjunction with the New Haven Police Department are collecting monetary donations to help Officer Silvestrini and his family during this difficult time. The donations will help offset any medical costs, unexpected bills and the family’s living expenses. We would like to help alleviate this burden so Officer Silvestrini can concentrate on beating this cancer. Any product donations will be raffled off during a fundraiser with New Haven Police Department on January 19th, 2017.

We will be very happy to pick up any donations you may have or you can drop them off at the Middletown Police Department located at 222 Main Street, Middletown. If you are sending donations please mark them with “Silvestrini Fundraiser” and checks can be made out to the Middletown PBA. We would like to receive all physical donations by January 16th, 2017. If you have any questions please feel free to contact, Officer Kristen Tyrseck, at 860-638-4000 or Officer Anthony Knapp, Community Relations Officer, at 860-638-4045.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance and on behalf of the Middletown Police Department, Middletown Police Union Local 1361, Middletown Police Benevolent Association, New Haven Police Department, The Silvestrini Family and our families, we extend to you and your families a happy and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Officer Kristen Tyrseck