By Lisa M. Esquivel Long
The News-Sentinel
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Loved ones remain by the bedside of a Fort Wayne Police officer hospitalized since a fire allegedly started by a man barricaded inside a home. A fundraiser will be held to benefit the officer’s family.
The family of Boyce Ballinger, the most seriously injured of three officers who responded to a domestic violence incident early Saturday that involved the suspect allegedly stabbing two people in the St. Marys Avenue house before setting it on fire, is thanking the community for prayers and support.
“Boyce is improving every day,” said Cheryl Olson, Ballinger’s longtime girlfriend, in a news release. “He is in serious condition and intubated in order for his lungs to heal from the damage caused by toxic smoke inhalation incurred in the fire.” Olson has been at Ballinger’s bedside since the incident, as has his mother, who is from Lima, Ohio, according to the release.
FWPD officers have been taking round-the-clock shifts at the hospital to provide both emotional and practical support for the family, said FWPD Sgt. Mitch McKinney, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, who has also been assisting the family, in the release.
“We appreciate everyone’s support and the many prayers for Boyce. He is a man of great character and integrity and a wonderful father,” Olson said. “He always tries to do the right thing, whether that’s in his professional or personal life. He knocked down that door and he and the two other officers went into that room because the suspect said he had a hostage. Though there was no other person but the suspect visible, he did the right thing by helping get that man out of the house.”
Justin D. Pease, 31, of the 2000 block of St. Marys Avenue, faces seven felony counts, including burglary and arson, in the incident.
McKinney said Ballinger has been involved with law enforcement for more than 20 years, first in the military, then with the Lima Police Department and for the last 14 years with the Fort Wayne Police Department.
“We look forward to Boyce coming home soon. He is a very strong man and will get through this,” Olson said. “The outpouring of support and care by so many, especially from the public safety community but also from the community at large, has been overwhelming. He will be so honored and thankful when he learns about it. We do ask for people to continue praying. We also hope people understand when we ask them to respect our privacy at this time.”
McKinney plays in the O’Toole’s Good Time Bagpipers with Ballinger and says Ballinger frequently plays at schools and community events. He recently raised $2,000 to help the family of a fallen Lima police officer.
“Now it’s time for us to give back to Boyce and his family,” McKinney said in the release. A benefit hockey game between members of the FWPD and Fort Wayne Fire Department is planned. Donations made at the game will be given to Ballinger and his family, which includes two children, ages 5 and 8.
To Help
A hockey fundraiser to help the family of Fort Wayne Police officer Boyce Ballinger is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave.
Additionally, donations for the Ballinger family can be made at any branch of the Fire Police City County Federal Credit Union.
Copyright 2016 The News-Sentinel