Hurricane ‘Took Everything’ From Retired Livingston Cop: Fundraiser

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A fundraiser has been launched for a retired Livingston police officer who is now living in Florida – and has been severely impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Tom Bartzak recently started a GoFundMe campaign for his father, Michael Bartzak Jr., a former police officer with the Livingston Police Department. See the campaign or make a donation here.

The campaign reads as follows:

“My name is Tom Bartzak and I am raising funds for a Retired Livingston Police Officer, Former Livingston Firefighter more importantly my father. Michael Bartzak Jr. served with the Livingston Police Department for 25 years until 2008 when he retired. He then worked at Livingston Public Library as a Maintenance Worker. In 2010 he moved to Florida just South of Tampa. Shortly after moving down there, he was diagnosed with lung cancer after he has now been in remission for 3 years. He is now on 24 hour oxygen. To make matters worse, on September 26th into the 27th Hurricane Helene took everything including his vehicle from him short from the homes structure and the worst has yet to come, he is right in the middle of Category 5 Hurricane Milton. This man who was once the rescuer needed to be rescued himself. With all of the medications and cost of living combined he is relying on a very small group of friends whom are working effortlessly to salvage any and all the they can. Please help me help one person whom served this community to try to keep people safe and help him back on his feet. Thank you.”

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