MPPOA gives Matson new wheelchair-accessible vehicle, check

Wednesday, the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), in partnership with Dave Syverson Ford Lincoln in Albert Lea, gave a big gift to recovering Waseca police officer Arik Matson and his family.

The MPPOA presented Matson with a new, wheelchair-accessible vehicle and a check for $25,000.

Matson was shot in the head while responding to a report of a suspicious person on Jan. 6. He’s spent the past seven months rehabilitating at a facility in Omaha, Neb.

Matson family to receive wheelchair-accessible vehicle, check from fundraiser

Last month, the MPPOA started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Matson’s family. The funds allowed for the purchase of a 2020 Ford Expedition, and the additional money raised was presented to Matson’s family to help cover further needs.

"Our family is blessed and thankful for the support of so many. Each day Arik gets stronger," Matson’s wife, Megan, said.

"Supporters of law enforcement came together in a tremendous way to support Arik and his family, as well as leaders at the Dave Syverson Ford Lincoln in Albert Lea. We are so happy to have Arik on the road to recovery," Brian Peters, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, added.

Video of the presentation can be seen on the MPPOA Facebook page below.