COLORADO SPRINGS – CSPD is asking people to send cards to injured Officer Cem Duzel as we enter the holiday season.
Duzel was gravely wounded in the early morning hours of Aug. 2 when he was shot in the head. Since then, he’s continued rehabilitation and has shown signs of improvement.
Springs Police said Duzel has experienced a couple setbacks, but they said he is “continuing the fight” and is keeping up with his physical therapy schedule.
Police also asked for people to keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. Duzel’s family said they have been “deeply touched by everyone’s thoughtfulness and support.” A full letter to the Colorado Springs community from the Duzel family is included at the bottom of this story.
Cards and small gifts can be sent to:
c/o Lieutenant Black
705 South Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
From there, CSPD cadets will take the card to Duzel at the Craig Rehabilitation Hospital.
“To the Colorado Community:
We are not sure how to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers that have been sent to Cem and our family during this difficult time. We as a family have been so deeply touched by everyone’s thoughtfulness and support.
Our family would like to thank the members of the Colorado Springs Police Department and the PPA for their unwavering support.
Thank you to Shield616 for all of your help and kindness. A huge thank you to Cem’s fellow police officers who stood with him day and night at the hospital. “In this family, no one fights alone,” he fell and you never left his side. We will be forever grateful.
To all the doctors, physician’s assistants, nurses, techs, therapists, respiratory staff, ambulance crew, and every employee at UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital that worked so tirelessly to save our boy – words are not enough. We are in awe of you all and so grateful.
To the people of Colorado Springs, the home to our son, we cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of love. Cem moved here six years ago and this become his home, and we can now see why. This community is remarkable. From the cards, gifts, meals sent, calls, notes of support slipped under the door, or just a hug from a stranger – know that it meant so much to all of us.
The Cordon arranged for Cem’s discharge from the hospital enroute to rehab was overwhelming and emotional. A huge thank you to all that took part. The people who took the time to stand in support of Cem’s departure from the hospital and the signs of support along the route to cheer on his recovery were so emotional that words cannot describe how proud we were. We would also like to thank Denver Metro Police Departments who stood awaiting his arrival at rehab. Thank you all for your support.
To the staff at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, know what you do every day is amazing. To see the change in Cem from day to day is nothing short of miraculous. He is continuing to recover and continuing to fight.
Finally to Cem’s friends, what can we say to all of you? You are all nothing short of amazing! You stood with us day by day, hugs, tears, and laughter. We love you all for standing with him and supporting us!!
Much love, The Duzel Family
Mumtaz, Kay, Erol, Gabrielle, Logan, Emma, Derin, and Layne”
