Gov. John deJongh Jr. said Friday his administration remains committed to providing medical support and financial assistance to Colvin Georges, the officer who was injured by gunfire while on duty with the V.I. Police Department.
In recent weeks, George’s family has appealed to the community and the media for donations to help cover his mounting medical bills.
“It is important that the government works together to ensure that Officer Georges and his family receives our support, the support of the VIPD, and that of the community as he recovers from the injuries he sustained during the recent gunfight which resulted in the death of a suspect and the injuring of another police officer,” deJongh said in a written statement. “We have been alongside the family working with insurance companies and medical providers since the night of the shooting to make certain that any assistance required is provided. This will continue as Officer Georges recovers from his injuries.”
Georges and Officer Aaron Hodge were both injured in a May 26 shootout in Contant. They were attempting to question a group of men found loitering near a car wash that had been the scene of a fatal shooting the previous night. When the officers approached, the men opened fire, according to police reports. One suspect, Gerald Jackson, was killed in the shootout.
Georges was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida on May 27.
“Both Officer Georges and Police Officer Aaron Hodge were on the front lines defending the laws of the Virgin Islands when they were shot at and injured. We have a responsibility to make certain that, as a government, we respond with the type of empathy and understanding that is required and at the same time, facilitate the rendering of assistance as is necessary,” deJongh said.
The governor said that in the days ahead more information will be made public as regards the assistance that has been rendered so far and how the government and the VIPD are assisting Georges’ family.
On Thursday Police Commissioner Henry White traveled to Florida to visit Georges at the long-term rehabilitation facility where he is receiving treatment. It was his second trip to visit the officer since the shooting.
