LAPD ‘s Kristina Ripatti Is Paralyzed

Heroic LAPD policewoman Kristina Ripatti who was shot twice by a career criminal and convicted murderer is not expected to walk again. Paralyzed from the chest down, Ripatti must now wait for some luck and advances in spinal cord injury medicine to lessen the impact of her life changing injuries.

Ripatti’s life was certainly saved by fellow officers, paramedics and great hospital emergency medical personnel. No doubt Ripatti’s excellent physical conditioning played a strong part in the recovery she’s made so far.

I can’t help but think of former Chicago police officer Jim Mullen who became a quadriplegic after being shot in the face in 1996. Today Mullen has moved on as a motivational speaker and his second career as a WBBM TV reporter. I hope that Mullen can help Ripatti through his own experiences. Just as Ripatti is married to a fellow officer, so is Mullen.

I know that Ripatti will somehow continue as a mother, wife and role model with a productive and rewarding career.

The cost and challenges ahead for Kristina Ripatti will be enormous. I hope that my readers can reach into their pockets and help this fine woman and her family.

The LAPD is holding two fundraisers to aid Ripatti and her family, including a public barbecue at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Southwest station on Martin Luther King Boulevard just west of Normandie Avenue, and another barbecue at the Southeast Division east of Broadway on 108th Street at 11 a.m. June 28.

In addition, the Kristi Ripatti Trustee Donation Account has been established at the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union. Donation checks payable to Ripatti or Pearce should be sent to LAPFCU, 16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410.

L.A. Times Story is here…

Comments

Anonymous said…

Thanks for letting the police memorial copy this post, paul.

Hopefully we can get some donations sent over to her.

June 11, 2006 8:19 PM

Anonymous said…

If anybody can help her with the emotional recovery it will be Jim. He and his wife are two outstanding individuals. God bless this Officer and those like her.

June 14, 2006 10:54 AM

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