“I got your six” is a phrase used throughout law enforcement. Essentially, it means “I’ve got you covered” or “I’m backing you up, so there is no need to worry because I’m there to help out, and you’ll be safe with me there.”

This phrase was evident when two Methuen police officers were diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, and the Police Department – from the get-go – provided unwavering support. Officer Gina Scanlon received the news April 1. She then urged Detective Tracey Noonan to pay closer attention to her health. Noonan was diagnosed in June. After careful consideration of their future health, both decided their best option was to have a mastectomy. Thankfully, they are doing well. Noonan returned to work, while Scanlon is still undergoing treatments.

Last month, the Methuen Patrolman’s Union held a joint fund-raiser for the duo at Salvatore’s in Lawrence with well over 200 in attendance. The room was filled with fellow officers from Methuen and Lawrence, firefighters, family and many friends.

Officer Sawyer Bilich, treasurer of the Patrolman’s Union, along with union Vice President and Officer David Gardner and several co-workers acquired over 100 raffle and auction items for the event.

“There was so much loving supportive energy in the room, you could feel it,” Scanlon said of the fund-raiser. “The generosity of raffle donors was awe-inspiring, and to be in a room full of people who genuinely care was humbling and energizing at the same time. I remember, at one point, standing in a corner of the room and looking around at all the familiar faces and the countless new ones, and I was overwhelmed with joy. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, ‘This is all for us?’ So grateful, so blessed!”

“This night was especially moving and humbled us to our core,” Noonan said. “The amount of family, friends and co-workers from agencies and departments across the state I have worked with over the last 20 years, who came together to support Gina and myself was truly amazing. When I looked around the room that night, I was speechless. The donations from area businesses and friends were astounding.

Gina and I felt all the love and support that night, and it will continue to fuel us throughout our journey in this fight against breast cancer.”

The night of the fund-raiser, Scanlon spoke to the crowd on behalf of them both – sometimes having to stop as tears welled up in her eyes and in those listening.

She spoke of their emotional journeys and how, “Breast cancer affects not only us, but our family and friends. … Women are not the only ones affected; men are diagnosed with breast cancer as well. Take care of your health.”

As of MethuenLife press time, the total for the fund-raiser was unavailable as MPD continues selling T-shirts, hoodies, tumblers and koozies with proceeds going to Scanlon and Noonan. The items can be purchased at the police station.

The fund-raiser was a group event of folks obtaining raffle prizes, selling tickets, decorating and so much more. Shown are (from left) Officer Sawyer Bilich, Dispatchers Sherri Ventrillo and Karin Kucukistepanoglu, and Jill Stackelin.

Connor Scanlon (left), 17, and Jaxon Noonan (right), 12, are always there for their moms.

Methuen Police Officers Jacob St. Onge and Kayleigh Forgetta try their chances at the 100-plus raffle and auction items donated by businesses and friends.