August 22, 2011 (Monday)

An Article was posted in the The Press-Enterprise ( A local paper)
http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_deputy22.31902a0.html

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Deputies rally for ill colleague
10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, August 21, 2011

BY JOHN ASBURY
STAFF WRITER
jasbury@pe.com



After dedicating his career to fighting for his country and fighting crime, Riverside County sheriff's Deputy David Griffin is now fighting for his life.

Griffin, 27, of San Jacinto, is set to undergo a bone marrow transplant this month for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The father of four young children is on leave from his post at the Larry Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

His colleagues with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside Sheriff's Association are seeking to raise funds for his family and medical expenses during a golf tournament Saturday in Menifee.
"Going through this stress is enough," said Judy Ford, office administrator for the Riverside Sheriff's Association. "When you meet people who could potentially lose their life, it puts a whole new light on not taking life for granted and it makes you want to help him."

Griffin's illness is now part of a lawsuit involving 200 other troops diagnosed with various diseases against military contractor KBR. It accuses the contractor of burning carcinogens and toxic chemicals that may have led to Griffin's illness.

Griffin served in Balad, Iraq, from October 2004 to 2005.

Riverside County sheriff's deputies Katherine Bermudez and Veronica Amparano support Deputy David Griffin as he battles leukemia.

He was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2010. His family posted on their website, www.deputygriffin.com, an account by an attorney and other soldiers that described the contractor burning plastic bottles.

After more than a year of radiation treatment, Griffin was showing strong signs of recovery and returned to work.

Two weeks later, however, he found out the cancer had spread. Griffin now requires expensive treatments and at times must stay in Los Angeles to be monitored, Ford said.

According to the family, his insurance will not cover about $10,000 of what is needed for the bone marrow transplant.

Last week he underwent brain radiation in preparation for the treatment, according to his family's website. A 20-year-old man has agreed to donate the bone marrow.

To register for the tournament, call 951-653-5152. To make a financial donation, go to www.rcdsa.org.

David Griffin Charity Golf Tournament
When: Saturday; check-in at 7 a.m., start at 8
Where: Menifee Lakes Country Club, 29875 Menifee Lakes Drive, Menifee
Cost: $100, includes greens fees, cart, goodie bag, lunch. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

Enter by: Thursday

Info: 951-653-5152
To help: Donations may be made at www.rcdsa.org