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OFFICER SCANLAN
The original incident happened the morning of Saturday September 3, 2016 at about 0830.
A cowardly suspect who I won't name entered the lobby of the jail saying he wanted to visit someone and acting irrational. When Correctional Officer Davila confronted him he resisted arrest. She called for assistance. The suspect then produced a firearm and he began shooting. He shot Correctional Officer Davila in the face area of her head. The responding Officers heard the shots being fired and continued going to help even though they did not have firearms.
One of the Correctional Officers that arrived on scene was Officer Toamalama Scanlan. He rushed to assist Officer Davala and fought with the suspect. Officer Scanlan was then shot in the head by the suspect. A Lieutenant arrived on scene and began firing at the suspect. The suspect retreated and later surrendered to authorities after the two injured correctional officers were rescued from the lobby of the jail by Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies and Fresno Police Officers that arrived on scene.
Both Davila and Scanlan were severely injured. Thankfully, Officer Davila was able to recover and was later released from the hospital.
Officer Scanlan suffered serious trauma to his brain and underwent surgery. He was then transported to San Francisco for treatment, then to a special advanced care facility in Houston, Texas that specializes in recovery of these types of serious injuries. His 19 year old daughter went with him to stay with him 24/7 as his wife stayed in Fresno to look after the other five children. The family rotates through visits to Houston as they can. He is making progress in his recovery. He is able to track with his eyes and even has a bit of a sense of our humor with his therapists.
WHY I'M HELPING
I saw the ABC 30 update story about Officer Scanlan on May 25, 2017. I have never met Officer Scanlan and do not personally know him. In learning about him, I realized we had things in common. We both work at the same organization, but our paths have never crossed. Officer Scanlan played football at Fresno State after I did. He was a hard worker and walked his way onto the team. This is no easy task. He was described as a fair Officer who treated inmates fairly and with respect. I was told he would actually sing to unruly inmates to get them to calm down so they wouldn't get injured or force used on them. Even former inmates commented on his Facebook page expressing their sorrow because he is a "good man".
He is a family man and has six children with his wife Tepa. He was a volunteer defensive line coach for the Fresno Christian football team. He is a good man, better than me. A great role model in the community and a public servant who actually gives back to the community.
He displayed true courage on that day in September. Who has his back for that? Then it hit me...who is looking out for his family? What is being done for them. As a small business owner, I knew I needed to do something for him and his family.
I met with a Captain at my agency. I was told his medical bills were being covered. No one was sure what else was being done. There had been previous fund raisers and shirt sales, but the money generated has run out. There is a Go Fund me account that I looked at but its performance wasn't great. I couldn't imagine how this is weighing on his family. What must they be going through? I was angry that this had happened to both Officers, but angry that Officer Scanlan was still dealing with such a tremendous injury. I also learned that the state of California does not recognize correctional officers in the same light as other peace officers. This severely limits benefits offered in situations like this. That angered me.
I thought, there has to be something I can do to get the word out and get people behind this man.
BUY A SHIRT & HELP OFFICER SCANLAN
That's when I decided I would do what I know...make a t-shirt for him.
It would represent aspects of his life, what little I learned about him. It would have a sheriff badge and his ID number on the front chest. "Scanlan" and his football number at Fresno State, 99, would be displayed on back of the shirt, along with the phrase "Never stop fighting!" On the right sleeve I would place the Samoan symbol for strength and the phrase "Fa'amalosi Ma Taumafia" in Samoan. Officer Scanlan's wife, Tepa, explained that this meant, "Keep fighting and don't give up!"
I received the family's blessing along with approval from Sheriff Mimms. I am donating more than half of the proceeds from the shirt sales directly to the Scanlan family. My hope is to raise awareness for Officer Scanlan so his heroic deeds are not forgotten, and to raise money for his family and children so we keep them in our hearts.
I'm always reminded how law enforcement is a family, a brotherhood. So will we take care of our brother? If we don't, who will? I know that if something like this happened to me, I sure would want my brothers and sisters to step up and take care of my family. So why don't we do it for him? This is one of those moments in time where WE can actually make a difference and not have to depend on any one else to do it! So let's do this.
Please buy a shirt today (or two, three or more) and spread the word to everyone you know. I would like every correctional officer, cop, firefighter, soldier, marine, sailor, airman, athlete, football player, father, mother, sister, daughter, brother, and son to buy these Scanlan shirts and pass it on to even more people.
Let's do something positive and make a difference for this family so they aren't left behind.
SCANLAN DEDICATION
SHIRT FAQs
With our JHAP Gear Scanlan Dedication Shirt Frequently Asked Questions we help our customers understand exactly how we are helping Officer Scanlan and his family.
JHAP Gear will be donating more than 50% of the profits from the Scanlan Dedication shirt directly to officer Scanlan's family. The exact dollar amount varies depending on the size and quantity of the shirts ordered, but will be no less than 50% of the profit.
How Will The Money From The Shirt Get To Officer Scanlan's Family?
JHAP Gear will be donating the money directly to a verified non-profit that will cut the check for full amount in Officer Scanlan's name to his wife.
No, JHAP Gear is a for-profit business. However, we believe we can make a difference by doing what we do best: making high-quality custom t-shirts and giving back to Officer Scanlan and his family.
Will There Be A Cap On The Amount Of Money Donated?
No. JHAP Gear will not have a cap on the amount of money given to the family. For example, some companies will donate only up to a certain amount. JHAP Gear will not. 100% of the proceeds from the Toamalama Scanlan Dedication Shirt will go to Officer Scanlan and his family. This means that the more shirts you order, the more money the family will get!
Does Officer Scanlan's Family Know That This Shirt Is Being Made?
Yes! JHAP Gear reached out directly to Officer Scanlan's family and even had his wife, Tepa, approve the Samoan tattoo symbol on the right arm. She chose the symbol and saying, both for accuracy and personal approval. I received the family's blessing; and I am donating more than half of the proceeds from the shirt sales directly to the Scanlan family.
What Does the Samoan Symbol Mean?
Officer Scanlan's wife Tepa chose the symbol for strength and the phrase "Fa'amalosi Ma Taumafia" in Samoan. She explained that this meant "Keep fighting and don't give up!"
What Does The 6451 Under The Badge Stand For?
6451 is Officer Scanlan's badge number.
What Does The 99 On The Back Stand For?
99 is Officer Scanlan's football number when he played at Fresno State.
Are You affiliated With The Sheriff's Department?
Yes, I am. I have received approval from Sheriff Mims as well. I'm always reminded how law enforcement is a family, a brotherhood. This is one of those moments in time where WE can actually make a difference and not have to depend on any one else to do it! So, let's do this.
How Can I Help Officer Scanlan?
The best way to help Officer Scanlan through JHAP is to buy as many JHAP Gear Scanlan Dedication
shirts as possible; and we will donate proceeds to directly benefit Officer Scanlan and his family.
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Support Officer Toamalama Scanlan through the JHAP Gear "Scanlan Dedication Shirt". Only $29.99!