Crime & Safety

Community Rallies Around Injured Police Officer

Campaign kicks off this Saturday to raise funds for injured police officer Heather Munsterman and community awareness about the dangers of texting while driving.

Police Officer Heather Munsterman still has a long road to recovery after being struck by a car during a routine traffic stop—but the Manassas community has stepped up to support her with fundraisers and a new public outreach effort. 

The Manassas City Police Association recently announced a new campaign, that will take place in Manassas over the next several weeks. The campaign will support Munsterman with expenses related to her recovery and create a fund for officers injured in the line of duty.

Munsterman was hit by a driver who was allegedly texting while driving along Route 28 earlier this month, police said. She suffered a concussion, fractures in her ankle and pelvic areas, and a dislocated shoulder. 

During the campaign, the Association also wants to raise community awareness abut the dangers of texing while driving, and the state "Move Over, Slow Down" law. The law requires drivers to change lanes when passing by an emergency vehicle on the shoulder of the highway, or if that is not possible, to slow down and pass with caution.

"Through its participation in this immense campaign and its numerous events, I have every reason to believe that the Manassas community will pull together on Officer Munsterman’s behalf to show their support for her recovery, and to promote safety for citizens and first responders everywhere," Thomas Rodriguez, the president of the Manassas City Police Association said. 

Events include:

  • Aug. 3: "Hopes 4 Heather," a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and shoot-out at the Manassas Boys and Girls Club. $50/team. Shoot-out: $10/person.
  • Aug. 17: Raise the Bar Strength & Conditioning, one hour of intense training. All fitness levels welcome. $20. 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
  • Aug. 17: "Take the Pledge" at Old Towne Sports Bar from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. 20 percent of food and beverage sales will be donated. Activities include a Corn Hole Tournament, a moon bounce and dunk tanks for kids, silent auction and more. 
Anyone who is interested in sponsoring or participating an event may contact the Police Association President, T.J. Rodriquez, at (703) 257-8033 or email the Manassas City Police Association at manassas.city.police.association@gmail.com.

Direct donations may be mailed to:

Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

c/o Officer Heather Munsterman Fundraiser Benefit Program

9518 Fairview Ave

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Manassas, VA 20110

Checks can be made payable to the Manassas City Police Charitable Foundation, Inc. The memo line should include "Officer Heather Munsterman Fundraiser Benefit Program."


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