The marked Paradise Police Department patrol vehicle sustained extensive damage in an Aug. 29 collision on Highway 99 that seriously injured Detective Sgt. John Alvies. Alvies was returning from assisting Gridley police at the Butte County Fair when the crash occurred. Photo courtesy of Paradise Police Department.

PARADISE, CA (MPG) - A Paradise Police Department sergeant faces multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery after another vehicle struck his marked patrol vehicle on Highway 99 as he returned from assisting Gridley police at the Butte County Fair.

Detective Sgt. John Alvies was driving through an unincorporated area of Butte County shortly after midnight Aug. 29 when a vehicle driven by Butte County resident Amie Kucera struck the driver's side of his patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed, according to the Paradise Police Department.

The impact struck the patrol vehicle between the driver's door and engine compartment.

Alvies was transported to a local hospital, where he was stabilized before transferring him to another medical facility for specialized treatment.

"Alvies is expected to undergo multiple surgeries as a result of his injuries," the department said in a news release. "While his injuries are no longer considered life-threatening, they are significant, and he faces a long road to recovery."

Kucera was believed to have been driving under the influence and was taken into custody, according to the department. Adult and juvenile passengers in Kucera's vehicle also received treatment for injuries sustained in the collision.

As Alvies begins his recovery, community organizations and fellow law enforcement officers have started fundraising efforts to assist him and his family.

The Paradise Police Officers Association has established an online fundraiser through the Police Officers Research Association of California with a goal of $75,000. The campaign is organized by Jeannette Huggins on behalf of the association.

"For 20 years, Sergeant John Alvies has dedicated his life to serving and protecting our community of Paradise," organizers wrote. "A decorated officer, detective and training coordinator, he has been an invaluable part of our department and a mentor, leader and friend to countless people along the way."

Donations to the Paradise Police Officers Association fundraiser can be made at https://porac.org/fundraiser/paradise-poa-sgt-alvies

Another benefit for Alvies and his family is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, at The Gathering Cinema in Paradise.

The theater will host a movie night featuring “Babe” at 6:30 p.m. and “American Underdog” at 7 p.m. Organizers said proceeds from the event will go directly toward supporting Alvies and his family during his recovery.

Paradise Moose Lodge also plans a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the lodge, 5275 Skyway in Paradise.

The event is open to the public with a $10 donation for dinner. Raffle tickets and prizes will also be available. The lodge said all donations are welcome. Additional information is available by calling 530-762-7066.

"We are incredibly thankful for their immediate response, professionalism, and willingness to care for one of our own during an extraordinarily difficult situation," the department said.