Detective Paul Hale's funeral brought the city to a stop Tuesday. Hundredsmourned openly. Thousands poured out their hearts to his family. ButGena Bartimak is upset. Her employer got a call the next day from theWake County Fraternal Order of Police.
"I just think that the citizens need to know that this organization is outthere," Bartimak says. "They do good at some times, but this is aninappropriate time to be soliciting money."
Hundreds of people have given to Paul Hale's family through organizationsand even in buckets like the one set up at Brigg's Hardware. Theradiothon attracted thousands, and they gave willingly. Now the death ofSharpsburg Police Chief Wayne Hathaway may bring more fundraisers. Attorney General Mike Easley warns not to send money to telephonesolicitors until you check them out.
Easley believes this is the time when people of no conscious and no heartare going to try to take advantage of those of us who care very deeply andappreciate what law enforcement does.
WRAL'sTom Lawrencetried to contact the Fraternal Order of Police. He got the same recording othersget when trying to check them out. Gena and others are lodging complaintsagains the wake County Fraternal Order of Police with the AttorneyGeneral's office.
The Police Benevolent Association works closely with police officers andtheir families in times of stress. That organization has no plan for afund raising effort for either Detective Hale or Chief Hathaway.
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