Star City hosts fundraiser for police chief suffering from cancer

STAR CITY, W.Va. (WBOY) — Jessica Colebank, chief of the Star City Police Department, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and the City of Star City is offering her help through an initiative called “Cure for the Chief.”

Later this month, the town will host a fundraiser in Colebank’s honor, where people from the local community can come along for a dinner of homemade spaghetti.

According to Star City Mayor Sharon Doyle, everything for the fundraiser was donated, “right down to the eggs that go into the meatballs.” There will also be raffle prizes for participants to win, including a television and a rifle, both of which were donated.

“We’ve really seen a huge outpouring of donations to this cause,” Doyle said. “We’ve got gift baskets, we’ve got gift cards, we’ve just gotten a lot of lovely things donated by the community – businesses and even individuals.”

Colebank has worked in emergency services for many years, starting out as a police dispatcher in Fairmont. After working in Marion County, Colebank was a patrol officer for Star City and even worked on the high-profile Skylar Neese case before working in Granville. She returned to Star City when the previous police chief retired about two years ago.

“Chief Colebank has spent her career in law enforcement, so she has always been mindful of keeping people safe in the communities she has worked in,” Doyle added. “Jess is one of those people that as soon as you meet her and interact with her, you know she’s in the right place.”

The city does not have a goal for how much money it hopes to raise through this fundraiser, but Doyle said Star City is “expecting a large amount” based on the amount of donations it has already received.

“We want to make the expenses she’s going to have a little easier,” Doyle said. “We can help her financially in any way we can so she can focus solely on her health.”

The fundraising spaghetti dinner will be held on Friday, July 26th from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under six. The price includes spaghetti, homemade meatballs, salad, dessert and a beverage.

Those unable to attend but still wish to donate can mail a check made out to “Cure for the Chief” or drop it off at Star City City Hall. The city can also send someone to pick up the check from you if you can’t come by, or mail it in if you call the city at (304) 599-3550.