WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Basketball tournament to benefit Officer Dewayne Collier

Basketball tournament to benefit Officer Dewayne Collier

By Kandiss Crone
kandiss@wlbt.net

Local firefighters and police officers showed off their basketball skills Friday and it was all for a good cause.

The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation and WJMI hosted a benefit basketball tournament for Officer Dewayne Collier.

Jackson Police and firefighters traded in their uniforms for t-shirts and basketball shorts. On Saturday, they faced off in a basketball tournament to raise money for officer Dewayne Collier.

 "He suffered a lot, his family has suffered a lot with him being in the hospital for so long. Just imagine his bills. So we wanted to do something to help his burdens. We want to raise as much money as we can and donate it directly to his family," said Zakiya Summers of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation. On July 7th, Collier was shot three times while pursuing two robbery suspects. The 37 year-old underwent several surgeries and is now recovering in rehab.

Commander Jeremiah Jones of Precinct One is participating as a coach. He says supporting Officer Collier has helped bring the department together.

 "I wanted my precinct in particular to participate in the tournament so we can have some unity, show them that we have unity and we support him and we're behind him 100% through his rehab process," said Commander Jones.

The event also featured several vendors and local entertainment. Commander Jones says he hopes to see Officer Collier out on the court soon.

"We're behind you, everyone out here getting physical, we want you to get physical. Through your rehab, keep your spirits up, we're behind you waiting for you to come back," added Jones.