First District officers presented a check for $6,000 to their fellow officer Jackie Fontenot who’s currently fighting stage 4 cancer.

Last week, NOPD officers and along with two of the department’s chaplains gathered at the First District to pray over Fontenot and present her with a check to help with her medical bills.

Officer Jackie Fontenot was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal adenocarcinoma (cancer) in October of 2016. Esophageal cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of the esophagus.

While seeking radiation and chemotherapy treatment, First District officers Colette Hart and Beverly Ashe started looking for ways to help raise money for Fontenot after realizing Fontenot did not have any supplemental insurance. In February, First District officer Beverly Ashe started a Valentine's Day fundraiser at the station. Soon after, officer Colette Hart started a Facebook page, Fighting For Ms. Jackie. 

Officer Hart was then able to get donations by Nelson Savoie, a long-time supporter of the law enforcement community, to start selling T-shirts.  Adam Bennett, owner of April's of Picayune, produced the shirts designed by Officer Colette. With the help of other private donations from State troopers, NOPD officers and other retired officers, a total of $6000 dollars were raised. 

Fonent joined NOPD in 2006 and had been serving in the First District for the last 10 years. 

If you would like to donate to assist with her medical bills, you can click here. If you would like to purchase a T-shirt you click here.