A Chesterfield Township police officer still coping with the effects of COVID-19 a year after contracting the disease is getting an outpouring of support from the community.
Officer Kyle LeBeau was diagnosed with COVID-19 in late November 2021 and hospitalized not long after, landing in the ICU in “extremely serious condition,” said Gary Thomas, president of the Friends of Chesterfield Police group.
“There were times that he was not expected to make it,” he said.
While LeBeau battled the disease, the Friends group, along with several area police and fire departments, gathered in the hospital’s parking lot outside his room for a candlelight prayer vigil.
“What a moment it was to hear approximately 200 people singing and praying for him while all emergency vehicles activated their lights,” Thomas said.
LeBeau was put on a ventilator a handful of times before being placed in a rehabilitation center with difficulty moving early this year.
“Miraculously he survived but has yet to return to normal,” Thomas said. “Latest report that I have is that he is home, still in a wheelchair, working by way of therapy to fully recover.”
LeBeau joined the Chesterfield Township Police Department in September 2016. He is also a member of the department’s honor guard.
“He has plans to someday return to active duty at the Chesterfield PD,” Thomas said.
A pair of upcoming events will raise funds for LeBeau.
On Dec. 3, the Chesterfield Township Police Department hockey team will face off with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office on the ice in a game benefitting the Kyle LeBeau Fund.
The game will take place at Fraser Hockeyland, located at 34400 Utica Road in Fraser, with the doors opening at noon. A 50/50 raffle is also planned.
Admission costs $10, with all proceeds benefitting the fund.
Additionally, the Friends of Chesterfield Police will host a matinee performance by Don White at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Anchor Bay Middle School South, located at 48650 Sugarbush Road in Chesterfield Township. White is an award-winning singer/songwriter, comedian and author who has opened for artists including Arlo Guthrie and featured in storytelling festivals around the country.
The doors will open at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the Chesterfield Township Police Department, located at 46525 Continental Drive, or by calling 586-482-5899 or 586-899-0961.
“All proceeds will be earmarked to help (LeBeau) financially along with any other member of the PD in need of assistance,” Thomas said.
For more information about the Friends of the Chesterfield Police, go to facebook.com/friendsofchesterfieldpolice.
