Fundraiser scheduled for injured deputy

A fundraiser has been scheduled to benefit the Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputy who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered on January 4 when he was struck by a passing motorist while directing traffic near Rochester Adams High School.

Deputy David Hack, a 17-year-veteran of the sheriff's office, suffered critical injuries, including broken bones in his neck, upper back, shoulders, face and head. He is now recovering at Craig Hospital, just outside of Denver Colorado, which specializes in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard on March 16 shared a message from Hack's wife, Christine, on deputy Hack's recovery progress. He also said a fundraiser to benefit hack's recovery on Saturday, April 14, at the River Crest Banquet Facility, in Rochester Hills.

"Dave continues with traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation at Craig Hospital," Mrs. Hack said. "His bodily injuries have all healed. He walked about 40 feet with assistance last week. He had the sutures removed from the cranioplasty (skull reconstruction) yesterday and the incision is healing nicely. He will likely have his knee brace removed today after he sees his orthopedist. The focus of his rehabilitation is now 100 percent on recovering from TBI and managing the effects of long-term hospitalization.

"Recovery from TBI is different from other medical conditions in that the doctors really can't predict exactly what Dave's long-term outcome will be. We hear, 'we don't know, we'll have to wait an see,' a lot. Dave works hard on his rehabilitation every single day. He has the best staff in the country assisting him and he has his family by his side supporting him every day as we continue to see positive progress each and every day."

Hack was struck about 7:40 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, January 4, while working a traffic accident in front of the school on Tienken Road, east of Adams, in Rochester Hills. While policing the accident, he was struck by a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by a 24-year-old Oakland Township woman on her way to Oakland University.

No charges have been announced in connection to the accident.

Hack was transported to Crittenton Hospital in critical condition and treated at the Intensive Care Unit. He was later transported to Craig Hospital in Inglewood, Colorado for treatment for a traumatic brain injury.

Hack, who also served as a sheriff's police liaison officer at the high school, has received strong support from the community, with members of the public regularly contacting or walking into the sheriff's office Rochester Hills substation for updates on Hack's progress.

"We love you all and appreciate all of your support," Mrs. Hack said. "We are so grateful for the love and kindness our friends, family and the community has given us."

The April 14 fundraiser, dubbed, Rock'n For the Cause, will be held from 6 p.m. to about midnight at the River Crest Banquet Facility, 900 W. Avon Road. A donation of $20 is required, and the event includes food, ice cream and entertainment. A cash bar, raffle, silent auction and live music will be provided. For additional information, contact Paul Deesen at 586.453.1592.