Proceeds from golf tournament benefits local family

THE RECIPIENT - Don Mitchell (center) accepts a check from Diboll Police Association members Brandan Lovell (left) and Ramiro Dejesus.

Just ten months ago, Diboll Police officer Don Mitchell was on routine patrol, making a routine traffic stop, but little did he know that would be his last stop. He was critically injured that day when he was hit by a drunk driver, ending his 18-year law enforcement career.

While still recovering today, Mitchell says he can't work and just sits at home, but lucky to be alive.

That is exactly how his fellow officers at the Diboll Police Department (DPD) feel. "Even though Don is not at work every day, it certainly doesn't mean we don't think about him every day. That's why we, as members of the Diboll Police Association (DPA), wanted to hold this tournament and help him and his family during difficult times." said DPD Officer Brandan Lovell.

This [tournament] along with other fundraisers held by the Association, not only benefit the Mitchell family, but other members of the community who need assistance.

The tournament got underway with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. this past Saturday morning at Neches Pines in Diboll, with a total of nine, 4-man teams participating. A total of 45 businesses also contributed to the success of the tournament by adding $2,000 to the DPA coffer. Monies generated from the tournament and a raffle held earlier this year, made it possible for the Association to hand Mitchell a check for $3,000 which will be used to help defray medical and living expenses incurred since his injury.