Patrolman Donald R. Aleshire

I think of you and your fellow officers often, especially this time of year. I was a student at Memorial Hospital of Burlington County in the radiology department assigned to the ER on Good Friday that year, just a few short months of Graduation. The shootings were probably the worst thing I have ever been a part of. The other Mt.Holly officer was the father of a good high school friend. I still remember him coming in and asking about his father who ended up being paralyzed by a bullet. He past away recently but had medical issues during the intervening years. I have a crystal clear memory of Officer Hurst being wheeled in covered by a sheet. I couldn’t see his face but I remember his right hand and lower arm not being covered. I instinctively covered it, I not even sure why, I just felt like it was the thing to do. After I graduated I worked 4-12 in a hospital ER. I was fortunate enough to not be involved in any police fatalities, but several injuries, some pretty serious. I still, to this day, appreciate and pray daily for all first responders. Times are really really tough for you guys now. They were rough that day as well.

Deborah Rushing

July 2, 2019