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Community holds benefit concert for APD officer injured in ATV crash

After being severely injured in an ATV accident, the community came together to help Tammy Barret reach her goals through a benefit concert

AUSTIN — A community rallied behind an Austin police officer Sunday at a benefit concert in North Austin.

In August, Barrett was seriously injured in an ATV crash in New Mexico. Police said it caused her to fall 45 feet off a cliff.

"She's not the kind to lay in bed,” said Myrlene Barrett, Barrett’s mom. “She's either working, running or doing something. She's constantly on the go, until this happened."

The incident left the Austin police officer and Army veteran fighting for her life. Her mother, who already lost a son 12 years ago, was worried that she'd lost her daughter too.

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“I said, 'I can't lose another one,'” said Myrlene. “I just cannot. God, if it be your will, I cannot lose another one.”

Officer Barrett survived that crash but was told she would never walk again.

Now on her road to recovery, the community is assuring her she's not alone. Haynie Chapel put on a benefit concert for her at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church to raise money and help in her fight.

“We want to support Tammy and surround Tammy with love and encouragement. We thought one of the ways we could do is bringing music and people together,” said Kim Ethridge, the family’s pastor.

“Even though she was off duty, she's one of ours and it shows that that's important, really means a lot,” said Rodney Moeller with Austin police.

Ginger Stuart, Western Sonrise Ministries, and Daniel Ethridge took the stage and sang songs of faith, believing this injured officer will beat the odds.

“Tammy will be proud also to know that there are so many people that really care and show their love for her,” said Myrlene. “I know that God's gonna have her walking one day and she'll be back out there doing what Tammy does."

Since August, the family said Barrett has had multiple surgeries and is continuing to get better.

All the money raised tonight will go towards her recovery. Those who would like to donate can head to austinc4c.com.

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