KINGSTON, R.I. – February 23, 2011— For University of Rhode Island patrolman Mitch Levin, it’s always been about commitment to his wife and children, the University and to the Warwick community where he and his family live.

Now it’s time for the URI community and others to show their support for Levin, who has been hospitalized since the day after Christmas with endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining, which he contracted from a bout with mononucleosis. While recovering, he suffered an aneurysm.

Friends and families from the Robertson Elementary School community in Warwick will gather Thursday, March 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a benefit that includes dinner, music and raffles to help offset Levin’s medical expenses.

URI Police Maj. Stephen Baker said Levin has been a valued member of the University police force for five years. Levin is a hostage negotiator and member of URI’s Crisis Intervention Team.

“He has a number of letters of recognition for his outstanding service to the URI community,” Baker said. “He was also honored for assisting at a traffic accident while he was attending the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. Mitch is devoted to his wife, Sue, and children, Collin and Christopher, and he is an active volunteer in the community. We wish his family the best, and we wish him a speedy return.

“We want to assist him in any way we can, financially, medically and in his efforts to return. A number of URI officers are working hard to raise money for the benefit by selling tickets to the dinner and for the raffles.”

The event will be held in the Robertson School’s All Purpose Room, 70 Nausauket Road, Warwick. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door and donations can also be made at that time.

Those who are not part of the Robertson School community are asked to RSVP by texting or calling Pam at 837-2776 or Kristen at 743-1522 by Monday, Feb. 28.

All checks must be made payable to the Robertson PTO, with the name Levin written on the memo line. Those who would like to mail a donation may send it to 15 Craig Road, Warwick, RI 02886.

Pictured above

IN UNIFORM: URI Patrolman Mitch Levin in his campus police uniform.

FAMILY MATTERS: URI Patrolman Mitch Levin and his wife, Sue, pose with their two sons, Christopher and Collin, on a bright, summer day. Photos courtesy Levin Family.