For the first time, the Blue Knights Mississippi Chapter IX is raising funds for one of its own members.
Lawrence Krantz III was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in March after discovering a mysterious rash, David Ervin, president of Blue Knights Chapter IX, said.
“He had no idea that he was even sick other than the rash,” Ervin said.
Krantz is currently undergoing treatment and spent almost a month at the Ochsner Cancer Center immediately after the diagnosis, he said.
The Blue Knights is comprised of former and current law enforcement officers who often hold fundraisers for the community, helping non-profit organizations or private citizens in need.
However, the group has never had the opportunity to help one of its own.
“This is the first time we’ve had this situation, where we’ve had to turn around and help one of our own members,” Ervin said.
Krantz served the Picayune Police Department for a number of years, eventually becoming patrol commander, he said.
After his wife, who’s also a law enforcement officer, was transferred to an office in Jackson, Krantz became a school resource officer at Forrest County Agricultural High School, he said.
To help with some of the costs for treatment, the Blue Knights will hold a barbecue chicken fundraiser May 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack Read Park in Picayune.
The group will be selling tickets for plates of barbecue chicken, baked beans and potato salad prepared by Picayune School Resource Officer and Blue Knights IX member Chad Dorn, Ervin said.
“We’re trying to do something to help the family through the process,” he said. “It absolutely was a surprise to everyone.”
With chapters all over the world, other Blue Knights have donated to the Krantz family, Ervin said.
In addition to the $200 contribution from Chapter IX, Ervin said the Southern Regional Conference Board donated $300 and the Florida Chapter XV donated $100 to the Krantz Family.
Krantz expressed his appreciation for Chapter IX and the surrounding chapters that have reached out to help.
“It’s tremendous, I’m thankful for that,” Krantz said.
“We’re always giving, we try to help a brother in need; that’s what it’s all about. Now, they are doing for me what we’ve been doing for the community as a whole.”
Tickets for the dinner are available through any Blue Knights member, Ervin said.
“We hope the community will come out to support one of our officers,” he said.