Belhaven Nursing Home donates $1,000 to Matt O'Shea for "Get Behind the Vest" Program

Matt O’Shea, Ward 19 alderman, and his assistant Tristan Karnezis Angus, toured Belhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 11401 S. Oakley, on Friday, March 10, 2017 to visit staff and patients affected by Chicago’s gun violence and also to accept the facility’s donation of $1,000 for the “Get Behind the Vest” program which helps offset costs of bullet-proof vests for city police officers.

“We appreciate this donation -- it will purchase two vests at $500 each,” Karnezis Angus explained.

Although the vests often cost more depending on the upgrades police officers select, she said, it is still a big help for them financially.

“Police officers are issued a bullet-proof vest initially as part of their gear,” she explained, “but it is their responsibility to replace it when they’re shot or because of its age. The vests typically last about five years under normal conditions.”

Alderman O’Shea’s personal interest in “Get Behind the Vest” reflects his constituency since many of Chicago’s first responders – police, paramedics, and fire fighters -- reside within Ward 19. He has hosted an annual pancake breakfast for the past three years at St. John Fisher Elementary School. On February 26^th, this past year, about 2,000 persons attended. The event raised $22,000 and donations are still coming in.

“It’s amazing how many people in the Ward have gotten involved in this program, especially our school children,” O’Shea explained. “They have really embraced it very creatively by selling lifesavers during their lunch hour for our “life savers” or having special “dress down” days, or wearing blue in support. I’m very gratified to see all ages involved in this effort.”

According to Jackie Burnett, Belhaven’s activity director, more than 40 Belhaven employees have had close relatives either injured or killed by Chicago’s gun violence. Burnett’s own brother was shot twenty years ago and has been a paraplegic ever since when he was caught in crossfire as an innocent bystander. Burnett says her brother lives with their 74 year-old mother who cares for him full time.

Belhaven administrator, Brad Fierce, introduced O’Shea to Belhaven resident, John Murry, who is now wheelchair-bound and unable to communicate because of gunshot wounds to his spine. He has resided at Belhaven since 2007.

“Obviously, with the prevalence of gunfire throughout Chicago as witnessed by our staff and residents, we are glad to do what we can to help contribute to the safety of our first responders,” said Brad Fierce, Belhaven administrator. “We look forward to working closely with Matt, not only on the Get Behind the Vest program, but other projects he supports throughout the Ward that help our neighborhood thrive.” ###