A local police officer is stepping away from his job after learning he has cancer.
Corpus Christi Senior Officer Robert Pena was diagnosed this summer. His co-workers say they want to support him and his family during this time.
Pena was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer that attacks his bone marrow. Pena has been with CCPD for 13 years is also a military veteran, husband and father of three boys. His wife also works for CCPD as a detective.
Pena’s co-workers say he’s had to take off from work to travel to MD Anderson in Houston for treatment.
His co-workers say they’re raising money to help with his travel expenses. They’ve also taken to social media to ask for help and they say the response from the community has been overwhelming.
Olga Moreno-Garcia, who has worked with CCPD for 19 years, said that she has been touched by the response.
“Anyone who has dealt with cancer understands it’s overwhelming,” she said. “You go through different emotions and they’re taking it one day at a time. Knowing the family as long as I have, it’s heartbreaking so you want to help as much as possible.”
There is a barbecue benefit this weekend for Pena. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Corpus Christ Police Officers Association, 3122 Leopard St. Donations are $8 and cash donations also are being accepted.
For more information, contact RobertPenaBenefit@gmail.com
