Dispatchers to Raise Money for One of Their Own

Evan Holtz, a Bridgewater 911 dispatcher, holds several positions helping those in need — but now he is one of those needing help.

Brian Sujansky, also a dispatcher with the Bridgewater Township Police Department, said he and dispatcher Jo-Ann Petruzziello are looking to raise money to offset medical bills as Holtz deals with a recent diagnosis of a brain tumor.

“It has been brought to our attention that Evan’s medical bills have begun to escalate, even though he has not yet had his surgery,” Sujansky said.

So, Sujansky said, they have started the “Evan Holtz Recovery Fund” to raise money to help out their fellow dispatcher.

Aside from being a dispatcher, Holtz is a volunteer with the Country Hills Fire Department and Branchburg Rescue Squad. He is also a paid EMT for Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad and the Somerset Medical Center EMS.

And this health diagnosis is just the tip of what Holtz has had to deal with.

Sujansky said Holtz’s family’s house caught fire in 2010, and they lost everything.

“Thankfully, insurance covered most if not all of their expenses,” Sujansky said. “Assistance was offered, but not needed at the time.”

This situation, Sujansky said, is obviously different.

“Evan will have a long recovery ahead of him, and will be out of work for quite some time and will not be able to volunteer to the community he loves,” he said. “We are hoping to ease some of that burden of medical bills.”

Sujansky said they are throwing around some ideas for actual fundraising events, such as a comedy night, charity night at Smokehouse BBQ in Somerville and maybe a charity run. At this point, he said, there is a fundraiser planned for July 4.

Country Hills Fire on Milltown Road, Sujansky said, will be holding an annual boot drive, beginning at 12 p.m. on Independence Day.

But while they continue to determine what kinds of fundraisers they would like to hold, Sujansky said, those wanting to help can donate directly to the PBA.

Checks can be sent to the Bridgewater PBA Local 174 Civic Association c/o Evan Holtz, ATTN: Officer Ziarnowski, PO Box 6664 Bridgewater, NJ 08807. In the memo should be written "Evan Holtz Fund."

“We have no goal on the amount to raise but we are hoping to raise a substantial amount as to ease the burden on Evan and his family,” Sujansky said, citing that they are choosing not to speak about the definite amount the family will have to pay in medical bills. “The amount is substantial and continues to grow.”

Sujansky said they would just like to help a member of their team.

“For all the time and help he has given his community, this was the least we could do,” he said.