Community golf outing to support South Bend officer battling cancer

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --  The South Bend Police Department teed off Sunday to support one of their own, Officer Travis Kukla, as he continues his fight against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

More than 20 teams gathered at Brookwood Golf Club for a charity outing organized by the FOP Lodge 36. The event aimed to raise funds for Kukla’s medical expenses and show support for the 32-year-old officer, who has served with the department for over a decade.

“He’s a really good guy, good family man — his young daughter and wife — and this has been tough for all of us,” said Detective Bryan Watkins of the South Bend Police Department. “We just want to make sure he gets the treatment he needs and any help we can offer.”

Local businesses stepped up to sponsor holes, donate raffle prizes, and fill gift bags for participants. Watkins said the community’s response was overwhelming, with sponsors reaching out to him as soon as the event was announced. 

FOP Lodge 36 is also raising money through T-shirt and pin sales to continue supporting Kukla and his family.