Story
You can almost count on one hand the amount of Austin Police Officers with as much time and experience under their belt as DJ Lahr.
You can read his impressive resume and respect how much he’s done for our community. Things like leading the APD K9 unit for close to 25 years, after 8 years serving as a U.S. Marine. DJ left a tremendous legacy behind when he retired after 30 years with APD, and continued as a Reserve Officer, but it’s not his leadership or direction that officers think of first.
It’s his humility. His commitment to making his department better. Rewriting the K9 handler manual that is still used to this day. And best of all, it’s his sense of humor people close to him think of first when they hear his name.
Who else could get hit by a semitruck during a pursuit, get dragged 500 feet on the rough concrete, and look up only to comment on how lucky he was to land on the mile marker of his APD badge number. Luck? We don’t like to think so.
In 2006, a fellow, rookie K9 officer recalls a particularly dangerous pursuit where the suspect crashed his car after a car chase, and the car exploded on impact. The rookie, , a newer handler at the time, was trying to find the suspect after they ran, but it was DJ who figured out where he was hiding.
Instead of taking the credit himself, which is what most handlers would do to add to their success rate numbers (“finds”), DJ called the rookie over the radio with the suspect’s general location so his dog could find the bad guy. DJ wanted him to gain the experience and would later train him to lead the unit’s training program as well.
That is the kind of man DJ Lahr is, and now it’s our turn to help him in his time of need.
A few weeks ago, DJ was working as a police officer for the Liberty Hill school district when he started feeling confused and light-headed. After a trip to the ER, doctors discovered a tumor in his brain and the news was devastating – DJ has glioblastoma, an especially aggressive and fast-moving brain cancer.
In just weeks, DJ’s world turned upside down. All he could think about was how his family would survive without him – without the support he provided for his wife, their five children, and ten grandchildren – all of whom are fighting right alongside him.
The medical expenses, lost wages, and travel for medical care are overwhelming and while DJ is facing this disease with courage, the road ahead is uncertain.
DJ has spent his life standing strong for others. Now, it’s our turn to stand strong for him. We are raising funds to help cover ongoing treatments, medications, and therapies, as well as any of the unknown expenses that come along with a diagnosis like this. We want to help DJ focus on his treatment and his time together with Tracey — not on mounting medical costs
Please, donate if you’re able — every dollar truly helps. Share this campaign with your network, friends, and coworkers.
Above all, keep DJ, Tracey, and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers
Let’s lift this incredible man and his family up with the love, hope, and support they need to keep fighting.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Organizers :
Dan Eveleth is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Tracey Cardwell Lahr.