Golf fundraiser organized for injured officer

Matt Guzzino, a Murrieta police officer who grew up in Canyon Lake, was critically injured as his police cruiser was responding to assist in a vehicle pursuit earlier this month. A fundraiser at the Canyon Lake Golf Course has been organized for Nov. 7 and 8.

Those playing golf that weekend will have the opportunity to donate to the fund that has been set up to support his family during this time of recovery and rehabilitation.

Matt was hospitalized on Oct. 1 after he was cut out of his overturned SUV and was taken by helicopter to the hospital. In ICU and intubated, Matt had surgeries to repair a lower leg. He had severe pulmonary contusions on his lungs as well. He was released on Friday from the hospital to begin physical therapy and follow up treatment.

In a file photo, Jaime Guzzino pins award on husband Matt Guzzino with their two children present. Matt was seriously injured recently while on duty as a Murrieta police officer. He was released from the hospital after over two weeks in there. Photo from GoFundMe

In addition to the fundraiser being organized at the Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club, where Matt worked at one time in the Pro Shop, a GoFundMe campaign was set up and was very successful.

“The response to this GoFundMe campaign was so much more than anybody expected and a shining example of all of the positivity still out there in our community and surrounding areas,” Jeremy Durrant, the GoFundMe organizer and one of Matt’s co-workers, said. “Matt’s been amazed by everyone’s generosity and very grateful for the donations and well wishes. With this, we’re going to close the campaign.”

Jamie Guzzino, Matt’s wife, expressed her gratitude for the support the community has shown to Matt and her family.

“On behalf of our family, we cannot thank you enough for your continued generosity, prayers and outpouring of support we have received,” she said. “It goes to show just how loved and respected Matt is.

“The mere fact that Matt survived that wreck is God’s work,” Jamie said. “I know the journey ahead won’t be an easy one, but Matt is a warrior. Again, thank you all for the support, encouragement and prayers you’ve given our family during this trial! We truly appreciate it more than we can convey!

The traffic collision occurred when one of Matt’s fellow Murrieta police officers attempted to pull over a BMW driver for a vehicle code violation, but the motorist sped away, Lt. Ron Driscoll of the Murrieta Police Department said.

The BMW driver was pursued and ran a light and struck another motorist in the intersection, according to Driscoll. The impact of the crash sent the BMW into the opposite traffic, where it collided with Matt’s Murrieta Police Department vehicle as he was responding to the chase.

The Canyon Lake Golf Course is currently closed for overseeding and reopens on Monday. The fundraiser will take place the first weekend after the course opens back up.