WHO: TFC James R., who was shot in the line of duty and suffered innumerable permanent injuries, received a therapeutic hot tub to help reduce pain and improve his mobility.
WHAT: After being struck three-times by a high-powered rifle, TFC RJames R. underwent over a dozen surgeries and was still in almost permanent pain. Thanks to the Connecticut State Police Union, ThermoSpas and many other generous CT companies and individuals, today TFC James R. is able to enjoy warm water therapy in his own backyard.
* Every rule was made to be broken and ThermoSpas broke its own “children only” rule when it learned of the heroism of James R
WHY: Seven years ago, TFC James R. was an avid golfer, skier and softball player, who played daily 1-on-1 basketball games with his 17-year-old daughter Ashley. He was such a jock that he had even tried out for the New England Patriots before becoming a CT State Trooper. All that changed on Sept. 3, 1998…
TFC James R. responded to the report of “gun shots” in Willington. When he arrived in the area he was not aware that a crazed gunman had shot Troopers Pelletier and Hoague while they were in the process of investigating a vandalism complaint.
Before he could exit his cruiser, TFC James R. was struck three times. During a lull in the barrage of bullets, TFC James R. had the courage to return fire. He wounded the gunman and sent him crawling for cover.
David LeBlanc, President of the Connecticut State Police Union, and Andrew Tournas, President of Connecticut-based ThermoSpas, Inc. presented TFC James R. with The Healing Spa™, the first hot tub to be designed with the Arthritis Foundation specifically for people with muscle and joint pain. It features 69 therapy jets.
Not only does The Healing Spa provide TFC Reidy with the opportunity to move more much more freely on his own, but it also offers proven therapy:
- Muscle relaxation, which can reduce muscle spasms
- Decreased gravity, which increases control
- Improved trunk control, balance and coordination
- Increased mobility and range of motion
- Increased strength and endurance
- Improved sleep
- Pain reduction
"Governor John G. Rowland
Governor's Office
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Gov. Rowland:
It was a pleasure meeting you last weekend at the Connecticut State Police Union event benefiting TFC James R. We at ThermoSpas were thrilled to be able to help such a brave and worthy individual with a donation of a custom-designed therapeutic hot tub. We hope TFC James R. benefits from the warm water therapy and his family enjoys relaxing and 'getting away from it all' in the spa.
Again, it was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for your continued support of ThermoSpas."
Andrew Tournas, President of ThermoSpas
June 6, 2002