Patrolman receives donations

Neighborhood children set up a benefit lemonade stand.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Every dollar counts in an effort to raise money for veteran East Liverpool police Patrolman Tom Hildebrand, who is battling cancer.
Detective Don Fickes of the East Liverpool department and the Fraternal Order of Police 29 members are spearheading efforts to raise money to help pay for Hildebrand's medical insurance.
"We even had a group of neighborhood children set up a lemonade stand," Fickes said. The children made $6 and change and gave it to police for Hildebrand.
Fickes declined to state the amount raised but said with tremendous community support, the FOP raised enough to pay for Hildebrand's medical insurance. Any additional donations to Hildebrand will be for living expenses.
He said the FOP members want to assist Hildebrand financially because he has exhausted his paid leave.
Came back
Hildebrand, 48, was treated for cancer two years ago. Now the cancer has returned and Hildebrand is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
"He's in good spirits, so we're hoping for the best," Fickes said. "He is still doing chemotherapy as an outpatient."
Fickes said Hildebrand is well-liked and respected in the city and across the state, so people have been generous in donating time and money.
Recent efforts included a benefit baseball game and a car show. East Liverpool Schools raised money before school dismissed for the summer.
Previously there were car washes, carnival games at the city park and and proceeds donated from Thompson Park swimming pool admissions, Fickes said.
Hildebrand also has received hundreds of cards from well-wishers, he said.
Hildebrand, who is known through the department as "Hildy," was the department's Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer and served as the DARE vice president for Ohio. He also was honored as a Veterans of Foreign Wars co-policeman of the year.
Anyone wishing to send cards to Hildebrand or make a donation may do so to Tom Hildebrand, c/o FOP 29, P.O. Box 233, East Liverpool 43920.