Fundraisers Continue For Injured Toms River Police Officer

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Fundraising continues for a Toms River police officer who was injured in an off-duty car accident earlier this month.

Brett Hansen, 28, who has been a patrol officer for the Toms River Police Department since August 2015, remains in "very serious condition" at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Toms River police said in a post on Facebook Thursday.

Hansen suffered life-threatening injuries Jan. 4 when his Dodge Avenger hit the rear of a tractor-trailer in the right lane of the Parkway as he drove toward his home in Brick, New Jersey State Police said, who said there was no evidence that Hansen was either drunk or high at the time of the crash.

Members of the Toms River Post 129 American Legion Riders presented a check to Police Chief Mitchell Little to assist Hansen.

In addition, a benefit ice hockey game between the NJ State Police Benevolent Association and New Jersey State Troopers held at the Red Bank Armory raised $5,740, according to Mike Schulze, team manager of the NJSPBA. That included a $1,000 donation by the New Jersey State Troopers NCO Association, Schulze said.

"We appreciate the generosity from our community as well as outside of our township boundaries during this difficult time," Schulze said.

Hansen faces a lengthy recovery, his mother, Lori Hansen, said in the text on the GoFundme campaign the Hansens created to cover medical expenses that exceed his health benefits. Those wishing to donate can access the GoFundme by clicking here.

Hockey photos via New Jersey State Policeman's Benevolent Association Hockey Team Facebook page.

Main image via Toms River Police Department