James relaxing in his hot tub.

James posing as he is presented his ThermoSpa hot tub.

James relaxing in his brand new ThermoSpa hot tub. .

Connecticut State Trooper Shot in Line of Duty Receives Thank You Gift

Every rule was made to be broken and ThermoSpas broke it's own "children only" rule when they learned of the heroism of James

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.

Today, thanks to ThermoSpas, James will be able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy for as long as he likes right in his own backyard.

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