Delhi supports former police officer’s fight for life
“In this family, no one fights alone.”
That’s the message on bracelets being sold to raise money to help 51-year-old Darryl “DJ” Haussler, the chief of police in Ross Township. His department is selling wrist bands to help with the chief’s medical expenses. The wrist band also reminds people to “Pray for 616-51” That’s the chief’s badge number.
Haussler, a graduate of Oak Hills High School, served in the Army then did a three-year stint with the Colerain Township Police Department before joining the Delhi Police Department, where he served for 22 years. In 2014, he left Delhi to take the helm as the chief of police in Ross Township. He’s spent decades helping others, but now finds himself in need of a helping hand.
Haussler was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin by making it hard and leathery.
Jeff Lefler, secretary for the Delhi Veterans Association, who is helping with a fundraiser for Haussler later this month, said in some rarer cases like Haussler’s it also attacks the internal organs. Haussler’s scleroderma is attacking his kidneys, liver, vision, joints and digestive system. He’s had to have blood transfusion and dialysis.
Lefler said Haussler’s symptoms first appeared in May but he’s recently been hospitalized and his medical bills are mounting. The Delhi Skirt Game Committee was happy to extend a helping hand. The group organized a dinner and benefit for Haussler, that has already sold out of 300 tickets, according to Delhi Police Chief Jim Howarth.
Howarth said Haussler’s disease has moved with startling speed. “He has to have dialysis three times a week,” he said. “He was hoping to get out of the hospital and be back home soon. He’s looking into having dialysis at night while he sleeps.”
Howarth said although the planned Feb. 11 fundraiser has sold out, donations can still be made through the Delhi Skirt Game, c/o Delhi Police Department, 934 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233. Or call the Delhi Police Department at 513-608-6904 to donate via credit card.
Wear support on your wrist
The Ross Township Police Department has wristbands available for $5 each at the Ross Township Government Center, 4055 Hamilton Cleves Road, Fairfield.