Officer Mike Claytor's Story
Officer Mike Claytor is considered an instrumental and invaluable hero of the Santa Barbara Police Department and the community at large. During his remarkable career, he served as a patrol officer, canine handler, crisis negotiator, and homicide detective. While serving his community, he was diagnosed with PTSD and metastatic thyroid cancer in the latter portion of his career. This diagnosis took a toll on him not only as an officer but as a husband and a father as well. This affected his emotional, physical, and financial well-being, and those around him who cared for him and his family noticed his struggle. That’s when the Santa Barbara Police Foundation (SBPF), stepped in and offered their love, support, and financial assistance to lessen his load and aid in his courageous fight. More recently, Officer Claytor was diagnosed with a second, more aggressive cancer that he has been undergoing more treatment for and participating in promising clinical trials for, however, this has resulted in further costs uncovered by health insurance. Once again, the SBPF has been honored to help with costs and further emotional support to Officer Claytor and his family. Please watch the video below of Officer Mike Claytor and listen to the words he has to share about the SBPF and their relationship during his fight. We hope that you’ll join the cause in standing with our heroes and supporting them in any way we possibly can through donating to the SBPF.