New Heart Needed For Retired Morristown Cop, Community Rallies

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown community is rallying behind a retired Morristown Police Department lieutenant who is fighting for his life in the hospital.

Lt. Matthew Rawding suffered a heart attack on Saturday, one that nearly took his life, according to his family.

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After several surgeries with "less-than-ideal outcomes," Rawding was transferred to Columbia Hospital in New York City for a heart transplant.

Now, the Morristown community is coming together to raise money for Rawding's procedure, as well as related expenses.

"For the Rawdings, this is more than a medical journey. This is a fight for more time together, more memories. A fight to hold onto the rock of their family. For a chance for (Matthew) Rawding to see all 7 of his children start families, to see those grandchildren grow up," a fundraiser reads. "If you know Mr. Rawding, you know he has always given to any person in his life who has been in need, no matter how peripherally connected to him they were. He has used his position in law enforcement to guide countless members of this community during some of their hardest times. And now, he is facing his hardest time, and he needs the favor returned."

Specifically, money raised through the GoFundMe will go towards the family's travel costs, Rawding's medical expenses, and the cost of post-op recovery.

If you know anything about Mr. Rawding, you know he puts up one hell of a fight," the fundraiser reads. "And he certainly can't be easily forced to do anything he doesn't want to do... And he does not want to leave his family."

So far, more than $55,000 has been donated to assist Rawding and his family.

"Matt has spent his life serving and helping others in our community," a Morristown Dept. of Public Safety post read. "Now, he needs our support."

Click here to learn more about Rawding's situation and donate to the cause.