By day, he was an Atlanta police detective. By night, he moonlighted doing security patrols in the Kirkwood and East Lake neighborhoods. Still, Pat Apoian somehow found time to run a charity set up to help injured and sick cops and firefighters.
Apoian, a nine-year police veteran, started Humble Heroes two years ago after seeing friends struggle financially when taken off duty because of injury or illness.
The organization holds events to raise money to help pay the bills of officers and firefighters and to help tide them over in those tough times. Apoian figures the group has assisted a couple of dozen officers and firefighters.
“Pat is unassuming and kind, and has an ability to pull you in; he’s inspiring,” said Beth Aycock, whose husband, Mark, a Forsyth County firefighter battling cancer, has been helped by the group. “I know Humble Heroes will continue to grow.”
“People want to help, but they didn’t have an outlet,” said Atlanta resident Robb Gray. “He provided that outlet.”
But in July, Apoian was struggling with a suspect during a traffic stop and was run over by a car. His spine, pelvis and leg were broken, and his foot was crushed. He’s been on the mend since, learning to walk again and undergoing several surgeries.
Apoian, 40, said the physical injuries weren’t the worst. “The more I sit around, the more angry I get,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s tough emotionally. Normally, I’m the happy guy who likes to help people.”
In the meantime, the neighborhood that hired him for protection has rallied around to help, putting together fundraising events to tide him over and even painting his home.
“Five restaurants had fundraisers for him on the same night; that’s the effect this man has had on the neighborhood,” said Gray. “I think he is one`of the most positive police officers we have encountered in a long time.”
Apoian says he is embarrassed by the attention and just hopes to return to work next spring.
Humble Heroes just finished a toy drive for Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, as well as coat and food drives for a local church.
Apoian said the efforts help keep up his spirits and are rubbing off: His 7-year-old son is making Christmas wreaths for patients in convalescent homes.
About the Author
