Crime & Safety
Benefit Slated for Stricken Police Officer
Shortly after retiring from the force, Sgt. John Schneider suffered a major stroke and then a debilitating illness. Now, friends in the community rally around to try and help him return to his home.
John Schneider retired from the police force after 32 years of service in Baltimore County, and three years later suffered from a major stroke. Eight months after his stroke, he contracted transverse myelitis, an autoimmune disease that attacked the functioning side of his body.
He was paralyzed from the waist down but is now walking around with supervision after a year in the Ellicott City Health and Rehabilitation Center on Ridge Road, according to his sister, Carol Shute.
At age 56, his family hopes to see him return home soon.
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“John’s pretty terrific and all of us are rooting for him to get home because we think it would lift his spirits a lot,” says his sister.
Before he can return home, Medicaid and Medicare stipulate numerous changes must be made to his condo, which must be covered out-of-pocket. He needs a special lock for his door and new flooring because his wheel chair doesn’t get around on the current floor, according to Schute. Schneider also needs in-home healthcare, and only some of the 24 hours in a day are covered.
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Friends and community members have organized a benefit for Schneider on Oct. 2 from 1-6 p.m. at the Lodge #69 on Nine Mile Circle in Catonsville. The event is spearheaded by the Baltimore County FOP Lodge #4, as well as area business owners.
“I was at Wilkins Station when John came on the job,” recalls Jim Andrews, retired area policeman who now owns and runs the Ship's Café in Catonsville with his wife Sharon. "He spent most of his career there as a patrolman."
Ship’s Café, as well as numerous local restaurants donated food to cater the event. There will be live music from the Road Runners as well as drinks.
It also coincides with the Wilkins Police Station reunion held each October, so the two events have been incorporated, according to Andrews.
Tickets will be sold at the door or at the Ship's Café for $50.
“I also want to stress that it will not interfere with the Raven’s game. If you want to tailgate you still have time to go downtown,” says Andrews.
