Perry City Police Officer Jason Harris
PERRY — When people are in trouble and need of help, they call the police. In Perry, the police are reaching out to the community, for help with one of their officers who is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.
Perry City Police Chief Scott Hancey said the officer, Jason Harris, was recently diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that caused his kidneys to fail. It all began in August, when he started not feeling well.
“He was actually working and went home,” said Hancey. “His wife forced him to go take his blood pressure, and luckily he did that because it was very, very high. So they went to Logan Regional Hospital and were then transferred to Ogden. That is where they found out his kidneys weren’t working like they were supposed to.”
As soon as doctors would allow, Officer Harris returned to work, while also having to go through dialysis several times per week. It is only a temporary solution though, while friends and loved ones search desperately for a kidney that can be donated to him.
Chief Hancey said Officer Harris’ dedication to patrolling the community is an inspiration to everyone in the department. In spite of the pain and difficulty going through the dialysis process, he never complains about his situation.
“Something with Officer Harris, he has a great sense of humor. I think that helps him cope through a lot of things. He also has a great support with his family and his fellow officers.”
Officer Harris started his law enforcement career in Grand County, serving around Moab. He then transferred to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, before moving to the Perry City Police Department over a year ago.
Chief Hancey is asking for the public’s help, finding a kidney match that can be given to Officer Harris. They have already searched through their small department with no success.
“We would do whatever we can to help out Officer Harris. He is our brother, so we want to do what we can.”
The Perry Police Department is asking everyone to visit uofulivingdonor.org. By filing out a brief questionnaire, participants can learn if they are a match for Officer Harris or others in need of a transplant.
will@cvradio.com