DETROIT (WJBK) -
A Detroit police officer struggling to make ends meet after budget cuts falls on even harder times, but his brothers and sisters in blue are pulling together to give him and his family a little green.
It takes courage for a man to admit he needs help, but veteran officer Eric Ewing had no choice.
"I need to do something for my family because my family's number one in my life," he said.
Things have been tight with Detroit's financial woes and mandatory city pay cuts. Ewing's wife is battling cancer. Thursday, their house almost burned down when the furnace caught fire. 19 years on the front lines and Officer Ewing couldn't afford the $2,500 deductible to fix the damage to his home.
"I had $15 to my name to last until Friday coming up here and only a quarter tank of gas," he said. "That's not uncommon, unfortunately."
However, this story is about the silver lining, although in this case it's blue. Ewing was surprised with the miracle he had been praying for.
"On behalf of the Detroit police officers and the fine citizens of the City of Detroit, we have come up with over $800... just for you and your family," Officer Baron Coleman told Ewing.
"The Second Precinct was able to collect almost $1,400 for you," another officer said.
"We love him. He loves us. He would give us the shirt off his back, so we had to do the same for him," said Coleman.
Over the last year, police paychecks have been slashed by 10 percent, their shifts stretched to twelve hours and health and pension benefits reduced -- a devastating blow to Officer Ewing and so many others.
"We're all hurting, there's no doubt about that, but we're standing together," DPOA President Mark Diaz.
And thanks to his brothers and sisters in blue, Ewing can breathe a sigh of relief.
If you would like to join in the cause to help Officer Ewing, officers are still accepting donations at the Detroit Police Officers Association at 1938 East Jefferson and the 2nd Precinct at 13530 Lesure near Grand River and Schaefer. You can also make a donation to the Ewing Family Relief Fund at any Flagstar Bank location.
Detroit police officer Eric Ewing (Credit: Fox 2 News)
