Since graduating from the Phoenix Regional Police Academy in March 2021, Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan has fought hard to protect his community from crime. Now, the 22-year-old is fighting for his life after recently being shot multiple times in the line of duty.
Moldovan was shot eight times on December 14 after he and fellow officers received a call about two vehicles speeding and driving recklessly. When Moldovan approached the suspect and asked him if he had any weapons, the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot the officer. Fellow officers immediately tackled the suspect and took him into custody, but the senseless attack left Moldovan in extremely critical condition.
After hearing the news that one of their own was in desperate need of help, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), the certified bargaining unit for Phoenix police officers and detectives since 1976, wasted no time organizing a barbecue fundraiser through PLEA Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides assistance to officers and the communities they serve.
While the event, which gave all proceeds to the Moldovan family, was pulled together within days of the tragic incident, the outpouring of support from the Phoenix community blew PLEA President Britt London away. “In the first three hours, we went through roughly 1,000 hamburgers and hot dogs and had to make four runs to Costco to get more supplies,” he said. “Normally during a fundraiser, you’ll have a big crowd at lunch and dinnertime, but we had a steady flow of people showing their support from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.”
London credits local news stations, “even the ones we sometimes don’t see eye-to-eye with,” for promoting the event and getting the word out. “I think the circumstances of this tragedy and the fact that he’s so young and newly married really resonated with a lot of people,” he says.
London adds that he’s proud of the way the community has rallied behind Moldovan during these difficult times and asks the law enforcement family to continue praying for Moldovan’s recovery. “Tyler is in a fight right now, so we need to all make sure we do everything we can to support and be there for him and his family,” he said.
To donate in support of Moldovan and his family, please visit phoenixpolicefoundation.org/moldovan.
