Charity Ball Benefits Families Of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
MCCLELLAN PARK (CBS13) - Marcelo Marquez, the man accused of killing two local sheriff's deputies last fall, is scheduled to appear in court this week. It's a case that highlights the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day.
Tonight, the community came out to support the families of those fallen officers at an emotional ceremony.
Hundreds of people attended the Aerospace Museum for the Law Enforcement Memorial Ball, which raises money to assist the families of fallen officers. The widow of Sacramento Sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver, who was reportedly killed by Marquez, says Danny would have been impressed.
There was dinner, and later, dancing. It was a black tie affair with a serious purpose: To raise money for the End of Watch Fund that supports families of law enforcement officers who've experienced catastrophic events.
"Everything's changed!" said Susan.
Danny was killed just 7 months ago.
"Every day since October 24 is different. And every day is affected by the loss of my husband," she said.
The Sacramento County sheriff's deputy was the first of two deputies killed in the shooting spree that covered six crime scenes and scattered across 30 miles. It left Deputy Oliver's two daughters without a father.
"That's my wedding ring. I wear it a lot. I wear it so I don't forget," said Susan.
Events like the ball try to remind the community of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day and those who are left when the worst happens.
"These are real people with real families who have to go on," said Kevin Papineu, a spokesperson for the End of Watch Fund.
Many go on with without the financial support they may need.
Susan says her husband of 25 years would have been honored to see such a turnout and support from the community.
"It is beautiful, and Dan would think it's love," said Susan. "He'd be impressed that they do this for fallen officers. He'd be very impressed."
Every ticket of this inaugural ball was sold.
Organizers hoped to raise about $10,000.
