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Veteran Ocala Police Officer Jason Douglas is eager to return to work. But his body won’t allow that just yet.
Late last month, Douglas noticed he was getting tired easily and he didn’t know why. He didn’t think the symptoms seemed like COVID-19. He thought it was more likely that his allergies, and the effects of new medications, might be taking a toll.
OPD Officer Jason Douglas
OPD Officer Jason Douglas was diagnosed February 26th with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken calls him almost everyday to check on his progress.
Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner
Douglas eventually wound up in the Ocala Regional Medical Center emergency room. Medical staff ran tests and more tests, which led to a bone marrow biopsy. It yielded a devastating result: Douglas had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which WebMD defines as a blood cancer that can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver and spleen.
Douglas remained at ORMC until he could be transferred to University of Florida Health Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville. He arrived on Feb. 28 and has been there ever since.
Officer is longing for family
“It’s the longest I’ve been away from my family,” Douglas told the Star-Banner this week during a phone interview from his hospital room.
OPD hired Douglas in August 1996. He has worked in patrol, as a school resource officer at Hillcrest School, and as an adjunct instructor at various online institutions teaching criminology and criminal justice.
For the next month, Douglas will remain at the cancer hospital undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, and many tests.
His immune system is depleted. Few visitors are allowed. Douglas’ wife, Martha, has been driving to and from Gainesville every day to see her husband.
“It’s a challenge,” she said while at her husband’s side.
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The mother of four, ages 14 to 26, said she has “to be strong to help him.” Sometimes she sleeps over in Gainesville before returning home.
“Its been crazy,” she said, noting that she must balance time with her husband and her children.
It could be about 12 weeks before Douglas gets a bone marrow transplant.
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Douglas eventually will get to the point where he can spend some days in hospital and some as an outpatient. That will go for five months. After that, he has two years of checking in at the hospital at least once a week.
Rallying to their friend’s aid
While Douglas is battling cancer, his co-workers are trying to make life a bit easier for him and his family.
A PayPal account has been set up. Co-workers have donated gift cards and gas cards. Friends established a “food train,” which is when people sign up to provide a meal for the family on a certain day. Douglas’ 19-year-old son has gained 4 pounds thanks to all the home-cooked goodies.
Police Chief Mike Balken said officers have even stopped by the Douglas home to do chores.
“He has given half of his life to the the community and he’s a tremendous public servant who’s loved by the students and staff he serves,” Balken said.
The chief said he wants to make sure that Douglas’ family has the support it needs so Douglas can just focus on getting healthy.
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Balken and his fellow officers have flooded Douglas’ phone with calls and text messages. The chief said Douglas has enough vacation and sick time accrued to cover the next three months. OPD also has a program where employees can donate their own vacation time to Douglas.
A second work family
Douglas’ second work family is at Hillcrest School, which is a school for children with developmental challenges.
Principal Lori Manresa said Douglas, the school resource officer, has a special bond with the children.
They hug him, she said. And they notice when he’s not there.
“Everyone cares about him. He’s connected to our school in a special way. He’s a gentle soul,” Manresa said.
The principal has created Jason’s Journal. It’s a place where Douglas’ progress is chronicled. Staff and students can check it out.
Douglas was on campus the day before he went into the hospital.
“Getting that news was difficult for all of us,” Manresa recalled.
Manresa said Douglas’ hospital room has many cards and posters from Hillcrest. Although Douglas is not with the school physically, Manresa said, the community still finds ways to include him in activities. For example, if a picture is taken, a photo of Douglas’ face is held up on a stick.
“We need him back,” she said.
Douglas is in good spirits
As his fellow officers and his school do their part to make his family whole, Douglas said he’s upbeat and in good spirits.
He’s confident that he will recover because “I’m in a great facility.”
He said he’s determined to get better, and is eager to get back to normal.
“I know I’ll be back to work as soon as I’m cleared,” Douglas said.
— Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, [email protected] or @almillerosb
