Several Fundraisers Planned for Evansville Police Officer Shot in the Line of Duty

Evansville Police Department Officer Sam Taylor was shot in the line of duty on September 21st. The community is showing its ongoing support for Officer Tayler with several fundraising events for him and his family.

In the early morning hours of September 21, 2025, Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor was injured while responding to a report of a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning. During a press conference, Police Chief Philip Smith said Taylor may lose the use of his legs as a result of his injuries. You can see the full press conference in the video below.

Police departments across the state and even the country are sending well wishes to EPD’s Officer Sam Taylor. As he now begins the long road to recovery, his family is facing unexpected emotional and financial burdens. And in true Tri-State fashion, the community is coming together for several fundraising events for Officer Taylor and his family. Below, you will find a list of fundraising events in the community for Officer Taylor.

The Evansville First Responders Hockey Team in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge #73 and the Evansville Professional Fire Fighters Local 357 will be joining forces to host the Officer Sam Taylor Benefit Hockey Game.

Make a Donation to Officer Taylor's Family with the FOP Lodge #73

The Evansville Fraternity of Police Lodge is accepting donations to help support medical expenses and support Officer Taylor and his family. Donations can be made online here, or by sending a check to:

FOP Lodge #73
Attn: Fight for Life – Officer Taylor
801 Court Street
Evansville, IN 47708

Lynnville Volunteer Fire Department Pork Chop Fundraiser

Officer Taylor was a graduate of Tecumseh High School in Lynnville. So the town, the Lynnville Volunteer Fire Department, and other organizations will be hosting a Pork Chop Fundraiser for Officer Taylor and his family.  The fundraiser will take place on November 22. The fire department says anyone interested in donating or helping with the event is encouraged to contact Chief Michael May or message the department on Facebook.

Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch Cookout Fundraiser

You are invited to a special cookout for Officer Taylor with the Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch on October 3rd, which will be a fundraiser cookout to support Officer Taylor and his family. For a $10 donation, you get a whole meal that will greatly benefit Officer Taylor's family.

Officer Taylor Benefit Hockey Game

The Evansville First Responders Hockey Team, in partnership with the Fraternal Order of Police Associates Lodge #73 and the Evansville Professional Fire Fighters Local 357 will be joining forces to host the Officer Sam Taylor Benefit Hockey Game. The game will be held at the Swonder Ice Arena in Evansville on November 15th. You can learn more in the post below.

As of the time of this writing, these are all the known fundraising events that will be happening for Officer Taylor. If more do take place, the page will be updated. If your organization is hosting on something that isn't on this list, please email travis@wkdq.com with the details so it can be added.