OGDEN, UTAH (ABC 4 News) –Community support remains strong one month after six members of the Weber-Morgan Metro Narcotics Task Force were shot while serving a search warrant.
From penned well wishes, to the purchase of supportive bracelets, there was a steady stream of support at a fundraiser Saturday for the officers, and families struck by tragedy in January's police shootout with a drug suspect.
Bonnie Holinski, Officer Kasey Burrell's mother, and his mother-in-law, Linda Panunzio say the outpouring has been incredible. "Overwhelmed” that’s how Holinski describes the emotions she feels as she meets complete strangers who show up, to show they care. Panunzio says it means a lot. “Just awesome, just the outpour of love and support we have had has been just tremendous and we are just very thankful.”
Today’s event was just one of several events planned by the newly formed Northern Utah Community Support group. Its mission is to help the officers, their families, and the community, heal.
Mindy Skougard helped organize this event." I think it is a way of wanting to say thank you. I think it's a way of coping"
Kasey Burrell’s family says the tight community is growing even closer. Panunzio says she didn’t realize the depth of support. “A close knit community that you really never knew about. I mean everybody just kind of goes on their separate ways and then when you have a tragedy people are drawn together, and their hearts open and their love is poured out."
As they watch over officer Burrell in his recovery, they say they are all humbled and grateful. Holinski and Panunzio say they have been blessed by miracles. "We just want to thank the community for their love and support, and for everything that they have done for these officers. We can feel it. We can feel the love and the prayers."
A benefit banquet is planned for March 2nd.
For more info on the Northern Uta
h Community Support Group's event for the officers involved in the Ogden shooting, click here.
