Fundraiser Planned For Slain Officers' Families
MIAMI (CBS4) - The parent company of some of South Florida's favorite radio stations will be hosting a fundraiser for the families of the two Miami-Dade police officers who died in a gunfight last week.
Clear Channel Radio Miami and Mobile Mike Promotions will hold a day long fundraiser on Tuesday, January 26th, at 16701 NW 67th Avenue in Miami Lakes from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Officers Roger Castillo and Amanda Haworth were killed Thursday morning while serving a warrant for the arrest of Johnny Simms who was also killed in the gunfire. Castillo leaves behind a wife and three pre-teen children; Haworth, a single mother, leaves behind a 13-year old son.
"Miami-Dade lost 2 brave officers Thursday but people forget that 4 kids lost one of their parents as well. My brother and sister are both police officers, so tragedies like this hit really close to home for me. I hope everybody who can will come out and support this important cause," said Ken Charles, Director of AM Programming, in a written statement.
Those wishing to donate at the fundraiser are asked to make their checks payable to the Police Officers Assistance Trust (POAT). Mobile Mike will broadcast live all day and have free giveaways and refreshments for those who donate.
Those who can't make it to the fundraiser but still wish to help can either donate online at the Police Officer Assistance Trust Fund website at poat.org or make checks made payable to "POAT" and mail them to Police Officers Assistance Trust, 1030 NW 111 Avenue, Suite 232, Miami, Florida 33172. Please notate Officers Castillo/Haworth Trust Fund in the memo area of the check.
The Dade County Police Benevolent Association's Love Fund, which helps families of officers who either have been killed in the line of duty or have loved ones in crisis, is also accepting donations on behalf of Castillo and Haworth.
"We're all in mourning, we feel for the family," said PBA President Sgt. John Rivera. "It was their duty to serve and it's ours to remember."
If you would like to help, please make your checks payable to The Dade County PBA Love Fund, with officers Castillo and Haworth names written in the memo section of the check. Donations should be mailed to 10680 NW 25 Street, Miami, FL 33172.
