911 Center supports Warner Robins officer battling cancer

In support of Warner Robins Police Officer Brandon Carlson, 22, who is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the Houston County 911 Center held a fundraiser Saturday morning at FATZ Café.

As part of the restaurant’s pancake breakfast fundraising program, Short Stacks for Big Change, tickets were sold in advance and at the door on the day of the event for pancakes, sausage links, maple syrup, butter, mixed fruit and coffee, tea or milk. The program was developed by FATZ as a way to give back to the communities they serve. They open their restaurants early on Saturday mornings to host pancake breakfasts to help local organizations and individuals raise funds for a good cause.

From the proceeds, $4 per ticket will benefit Carlson to help pay for transportation and anything he may need while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and $3 per ticket went to FATZ to cover the cost of the food. Approximately 200 tickets were sold.

Carlson, who has been with the Warner Robins Police Department for two years, expressed how grateful he was to the 911 Center, fellow police officers and the community.

“It means a lot,” he said. “Anytime someone wants to help you, it shows you’re loved and cared for.”

He added, “I love them for it. I couldn’t be more grateful.” He said the police department has a close relationship with the 911 dispatchers.

Carlson was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin’s lymphoma on June 26. He said he’s doing well right now and is undergoing chemotherapy every other week. He’s done five treatments and has seven more to go.

Although he’s not working at this time, Carlson does ride-alongs with fellow officers. He said he’s waiting on the doctor’s orders before he can return to duty.

“It helps that you have people to help you out,” he said.

Carlson said support from the community has been great. He said the citizens support local officers and what they do for the community.

Carlson’s mother, Amy Carlson, said it made her very proud to see the support that has been shown to her son.

“I can tell he’s loved,” she said. “He’s a good person.”

HHJ News