Benefit Dinner Supports Waite Park Police Officer Thelen And Family [AUDIO]

WAITE PARK -- Thousands of people gathered at Moose Lodge last night to support Waite Park Police Officer, Brad Thelen and his family.

A spaghetti dinner was held for Thelen who is battling his second round of cancer.

Thelen is a husband of father of two daughters. He's been working as a Waite Park Police Officer for 16 years.

He was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2008. He had undergone surgery to remove his kidney, which left him cancer free until 2011,when the cancer had come back into his lungs.

Fellow officers say that Thelen is a very positive person and quick with jokes.

Waite Park Police Sgt, Tom Jensen says law enforcement from other communities including Cold Spring have also been supportive.

The Cold Spring Police Department suffered a loss just weeks ago with tragic shooting and killing of Officer, Tom Decker.

Thelen received a Medal of Valor in 2009, the highest police honor, when he risked his own life to save a suicidal person from drowning.

See below for information on how to donate to the Brad Thelen Fund, and the Tom Decker Fund.

Brad Thelen Fund
Plaza Park Bank 131 6TH AVE South Waite Park MN 56387