GoFundMe Effort Launched For Injured Naugatuck Police Officer

NAUGATUCK, CT — A GoFundMe campaign was launched over the weekend to aid Naugatuck Police Lt. Mark Pettinicchi, the 19-year veteran officer who was struck by a vehicle and injured on Thursday.

Lt. Pettinicchi, 47, suffered a shattered left ankle, broken right tibia and a broken right ankle in the crash and is recuperating following surgery last week. He faces a long recovery, according to Naugatuck Deputy Police Chief C. Colin McAllister.

"This go fund me page was created by the friends, family, and supporters of the family of Lt. Mark Pettinicchi," wrote Naugatuck Police Detective Sergeant Derek Poundstone and the other organizers of the page. "The purpose was to assist with his care and treatment after he was gravely injured in the line of duty."

As of Monday morning, the page had generated more than $4,400 in donations toward a goal of $10,000.

Pettinicchi was working an extra-duty traffic detail Thursday when a suspect from a shoplifting struck him and drove off, leading police on a multi-town chase before being apprehending.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, and they remain in custody.

"All of the proceeds will be to assist the Pettinicchi family during these challenging times," the organizers wrote. "Over the next few months, The Pettinicchi's home will need to be modified so Lt Pettinicchi can get around. Additionally, the family also has two teenaged boys. We have arranged dinners for the family to be distributed throughout the week for the next few months and will assist the family with as much as we can so Lt. Pettinicchi can focus on his recovery."

To view the GoFundMe page benefiting Lt. Mark Pettinicchi, click here.

(Editor's note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner)