Pennsylvania: 5K Run/Walk to benefit injured state trooper in Mt. Pleasant
As a member of the Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper George Hare Jr. helped to protect the citizens in the area for years.
While on duty on Oct. 29 Hare, a Mt. Pleasant Township resident, stopped to clear debris from state Route 119, just north of the state Route 31 overpass, in East Huntingdon when he was struck head-on by an SUV driven by Albert Gundy, 69, of West Mifflin.
As a result of the accident, Hare sustained multiple fractures, a fractured pelvis, a large laceration to his head, a closed head injury and significant blood loss, police said.
“Trooper First Class George Hare suffered a horrific trauma to his body. It is an absolute miracle that he can walk with a cane. He still is in physical therapy with limited use of his arms and possible future memory loss issues,” said James Monkelis, Hare's friend and a fellow state trooper, who resides White Oak Borough.
Recovery continues
For several hours, Monkelis said he sat in the emergency room at UPMC Presbyterian, watching physicians tell Hare's wife and family that he might not survive.
“The devastation and horror on his wife Anna's face was demoralizing,” he said.
Since that time, Hare has been recovering at his home, he said.
He still undergoes physical therapy four days a week, Hare said.
“I'm progressing, but there is still a long road to go before I'm fully back,” he said.
Fundraising event is Sept. 12
Since the accident, Hare's extended family, friends and co-workers have come together to help his family with the unexpected costs of the ongoing medical bills.
Together, they will play host to the “Trooper George Hare, Jr. — Steer Clear Law 5K Run/Walk” from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 12 in Mt. Pleasant.
Monkelis is spearheading the event on his own time and not in any official state police capacity, he said.
It will not only be an opportunity to raise money on Hare's behalf, but it is also designed to educate the public regarding the state's “Steer Clear” law, Monkelis said.
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