DeKalb police are joining forces to help one of their own. The mother of Officer Rodney West passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack two days before Thanksgiving, leaving him as guardian for his teen siblings.
Rodney's 17-year-old sister, Jessica, and her twin, Jordan, are planning to move from Charleston to Rodney's home in Stockbridge.
"It's a whole life change for me. The biggest challenge will probably be just the daily struggles as far as financial means," said West.
The officer wants to keep his family together and his co-workers want to help. Rodney's supervisor, Sgt. Pamela Patterson, told a Chili's restaurant owner about his situation after the owner asked if she knew of a family that needed help at Christmas. Patterson told the owner about West's story.
A pancake breakfast is planned from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Chili's at Stonecrest Mall. A ticket costs $5, and the money will go towards giving Rodney's brother and sister a memorable Christmas.
"I actually just found out a couple of hours ago, and I was speechless," said West. "Just talking to a friend about how I was going to make things happen for Christmas, and I had no answer to it."
A fund has also been set up at Wells Fargo to help Officer West's family under the name of his deceased mother, Joyce West.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:23 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:23:35 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:28:25 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:53:01 GMT
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Tuesday morning.
Five people made a quick escape from a MARTA bus just before it was hit by a train Wednesday morning. Fire crews say the bus stalled on the railroad tracks in downtown Decatur, and those onboard had just seconds to get out before an oncoming train hit it.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
The Gainesville City Council is moving ahead with a study to determine the feasibility of a new convention center and hotel in the northeast Georgia city.
Officer Rodney West is seeking to keep his family together.
