Anonymous donor gives $14K for police defibrillators

An anonymous donor has given enough money to buy automated external defibrillators for the Police Department's patrol cars.

Former alderman Richard Bachman got a check for $14,000 from a woman who called the donation "money from heaven." One of her loved one's died as the result of cardiac problems, and she believes that if the first responders had had an AED to shock the person's heart back into rhythm that person would still be alive.

Bachman was completely surprised by the donation. He also has received several hundred dollars from other individuals and organizations - and he'll keep collecting.

Money will be needed to cover training costs and to replace batteries or AEDs down the road, he said. It's also possible additional units could be purchased and placed in more of the police vehicles.

The Friends of Hart Park are planning an Election Day bake sale to raise money for the program, and the Kiwanis will hold a wine tasting in November.

The Common Council on Tuesday approved accepting the donations and spending the money on AEDs.