A special fundraiser is being held Sunday September 12 to raise money for  former Peekskill Police Detective Charlie Wassil.

Wassil, like many police officers and firefighters from Westchester County, answered the call of duty and spent time at Ground Zero in New York City searching for possible survivors following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

As a result of his time spent at Ground Zero, Wassil, a U.S. Marine and former NYPD officer,was forced to retire from the Peekskill PD.

Detective Wassil is now in need of tretments to combat his illness that NYS Workers Compensation has denied payment for.

Wassil is in need of a series of expensive injections over the next year to be paid out of pocket.

Peekskill Police are hosting a fundraising barbecue on Sunday September 12 starting at 12 noon at  Oley and Chuck's Rainbow Bar and Grill 425 Central Avenue in Peekskill.

The day-long cookout will feature Draft Beer, Soda, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Italian Sausage and peppers and more. All proceeds will go toward Detective Wassil's medical treatments. Donations are $25.