YORK COUNTY — Known for always helping those in need, a retired York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (YPSO) lieutenant is now receiving support from the community after suffering a life-threatening injury.
On Friday, Aug. 13, Brian Eckstein was working at his hunt club when he slipped while using a knife, accidentally severing his radial artery and two tendons and suffering blood loss.
Brian’s nephew, Chris Eckstein, said that had he not had a tourniquet with him, he may not have survived.
After being airlifted to a hospital, Brian had emergency surgery to repair two ruptured tendons as well as a ruptured artery on his arm.
Chris said that Brian is “so far recovering well but not without excruciating pain.”
With Brian now facing unexpected medical bills that includes the helicopter ride to the hospital, Chris has set up a GoFundMe campaign for his uncle with a goal to raise $10,000.
As of Friday, Aug. 20, the campaign has already reached $9,720 out of the $10,000.
Chris said that he and his uncle are both very thankful to everyone who has donated.
Now a retired lieutenant, Brian worked with YPSO for 25 years.
“He is one of the most kind-hearted men,” YPSO spokesperson Shelley Ward said. “He volunteered his time with our Relay for Life team as well as mission trips with his church.”
Ward referenced a previous quote from Sheriff Diggs about the retired lieutenant.
“Eckstein has strived to serve the community and this office with the highest moral character, honor and ethics,” Diggs said. “Lieutenant Eckstein is a true professional and an asset to this office. He is the consummate leader, who has earned the respect of deputies, other supervisors and the command staff. It is people like Brian, who make a difference in the community. I am extremely proud of him”.
The GoFundMe campaign to support Lt. Brian Eckstein can be found here.
