Second fundraiser for Detroit officers shot on duty

It's been eight months since two Detroit Police Officers were shot on the job - one in the chest, one in the upper body - and the medical bills are piling up.

In those eight months, Officer James Kisselberg says that a lot has changed from when he was on the street - and it's much more than a physical change.

"With four days a week of therapy I can get my hands above my head and I have general mobility," he said. "The mental part is starting to really kick in - more than it has been."

Kisselberg and his partner, Benjamin Atkinson, were allegedly shot by Ray Durham, the prime suspect in the shooting death of Wayne State Police Sergeant Collin Rose. 

Kisselberg was shot in the jaw and shoulder while Atkinson took a bullet to the leg and two to his bulletproof vest. He's still hobbled by the injuries but is on the road to recovery. 

The mental stress that Kisselberg talks about is not just stress from the shooting but also the financial strain on his family. 

"That gets to you after a while, just always depending on somebody," he said.

In April, the owner of Tony V's Bar and Restaurant on Cass Ave. held a fundraiser for the officers and Kisselberg says other officers and friends have pitched in.

"It's a struggle. My parents helped me out, I've had a lot of friends help us out financially. If it wasn't for the fundraiser and fellow officers and other friends we wouldn't make it," he said.

Tony V's is hosting another event Friday. For $20, you get a dinner and can participate in a special auction to help the officers.

"Anything that anyone can donate goes a long way."

James says he knows times are though for a lot of people and adds even if you can't donate, just showing up would mean a lot to both of them.