ECPD Sergeant Joins Fight Against Childhood Cancer

An Emerson College Police Department sergeant has run the past seven Boston Marathons to raise money for Cops for Kids with Cancer.

Sal Mirabella Jr., who joined ECPD in 2021, has been involved with the organization since 2016 and on its board of directors since 2019. Without any immediate connection to childhood cancer, Mirabella said he joined the board because it is devastating to hear and see a child batting the disease.

“It is even more devastating to see the parents and families struggling to make ends meet financially while caring for their child,” said Mirabella, who also works part time as a traffic officer for the town of Chelmsford, Mass. “Having a child battling cancer is stressful enough without having to worry about how they are going to pay the medical bills and the everyday bills.” 

Mirabella recently was involved in providing a grant from the Massachusetts State Police and the Chelmsford Police to Elain Rodriguez and his family as he battles leukemia.

Cops for Kids with Cancer helps alleviate some financial burdens by giving $5,000 to families with children battling cancer. On average, the organization gives $40,000 split between eight families per month. That money helps families with rent, mortgages, food, and more.

“To see how much the recipients appreciate it means the world to me!” said Mirabella.