The community is raising money for a McHenry police officer, who is also a firefighter and has served the community for 25 years, as he battles aggressive cancer that has taken a “devastating turn.”
The McHenry Police Department said Officer Jim Harris has been a dedicated member of their department for over 20 years with over 30 years in law enforcement.
He has also been a firefighter-paramedic at the McHenry Township Fire Protection District for over 25 years.
Harris was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in October 2023. His journey has taken a “devastating turn” as the cancer has metastasized to his brain, the department said.
Harris continues to work full-time, despite his ongoing battle with the illness, while undergoing extensive treatments, including 37 rounds of radiation and critical surgeries.
Harris and his wife face “overwhelming expenses and travel costs” while his wife provides support as his primary caregiver, police officials said. She is currently out of benefit time at work.
Harris is also a father to Jenna — a senior in high school with plans to attend St. Norbert College in the fall, Andrew — an eighth-grader and Retinoblastoma cancer survivor, and “bonus dad” to Carter — currently at basic training for the U.S. Coast Guard.
“As they navigate these tough times with uncertain future treatments, we ask for your kind support. Your donations will help alleviate the financial burden on the Harris family during this critical time,” the police department said.
“If there was ever an example of service to others, it’s definitely Officer Harris,” the department said, adding that the Harris family’s finances have been drained.
Officials said that community members who know Harris may want to reach out and offer their words of encouragement but they are instead asked to leave social media comments for him to read.
A FundtheFirst campaign has been launched for Harris with $18,000 raised from 180 donations. The campaign has a goal of $25,000.