ITHACA/CORTLAND -- The stations of the Cayuga Radio Group are asking listeners to band together in support of Ithaca Police Officer Anthony Augustine, who was shot while pursuing a suspect earlier this month. The public is invited to sign a giant "get well" card (it's over 7 feet tall) that will be presented to Augustine.
According to the Ithaca Journal, Augustine was released from the hospital yesterday morning, one week after the shooting. The newspaper also reported Augustine had suffered a minor stroke as a result of the shooting, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
The Cayuga Radio Group, owned by Saga Communications, said Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick signed their oversized "get well" card this morning. The card will be on display in various locations throughout the weekend and through at least Monday. The schedule on the WHCU website is also listed on all other Cayuga Radio Group websites.
From a press release:
"Officer Augustine was injured in the line of duty doing his job-protecting the citizens of our community,” said Marketing Director Connie Fairfax-Ozmun. “We heard from many of the people in our community the same question over and over again…’how can we help?’ It is absolutely the right thing to do. To allow for our community to express its gratitude to Officer Augustine by signing the giant ‘get well’ card and to make donations toward his recovery efforts.
The card is fitted with a drop box slot for people to make direct contributions. “One-hundred percent of all monies collected will go to Officer Augustine and his recovery effort,” said Fairfax-Ozmun.
“We are proud to support Officer Augustine and the Ithaca Police Department during this very difficult time. We wish Officer Augustine a speedy recovery” said VP/GM Chet Osadchey. “He is a hero, and this card gives caring people the opportunity to express their sincere gratitude to him.”
Thanks to Cayuga Radio Group and many other local stations for including cnyradio@cnyradio.com on their press release distribution lists! We're always grateful to be informed on the latest happenings at your stations, so we can share the word here with our readers.