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SPANISH FORK — Two months since two Utah County deputies were shot in the line of duty, volunteers held a fundraiser Saturday to support them and their families.
The smell of the barbecue would make your mouth water. But more important, the food was part of a big fundraiser in Spanish Fork, where guests could buy burgers, hot dogs and soda, knowing the proceeds were going to a good cause.
You could certainly feel it. Not the heat of the flames or the sugar rush from the cotton candy maker.
We're talking about the love this community has for the Utah County deputies shot earlier this year.
Megan Allen is one of the organizers of the 1078 Foundation; 1078 is the police code for officer assistance.
"We've seen such a community gathering, and we've seen how involved they wanted to be, and so it's just been totally overwhelming," she said.
Allen and her fiancé have been doing this for the past month in different locations, raising money to help deputies if they need it.
"They can use it towards bills or whatever or in the end, if they want to take their families on vacation because they had a near miss,” said Barry Boulton, 1078 Foundation co-organizer
Allen's idea for the 1078 Foundation started after Sgt. Cory Wride and Deputy Greg Sherwood were both shot in January. Wride was killed, and Sherwood survived.
"I know there is the 1033 Foundation, but they are there to help with the law enforcement who have been killed in the line of duty, and there is nothing there for the injured," Allen said.
Many people wonder what they can do after a tragedy. This is something good for the community and good for all law enforcement officers, who have a tough job every single day.
"I sleep at night because these guys do what they do out on the streets," Boulton said.
Allen goes by a certain mantra that reminds her what’s most important.
"It's not all about getting. It's about giving," she said.
As for future fundraisers, Allen doesn't have one planned yet, but she said she will, because her foundation has grown into something. She realizes, unfortunately, that fundraisers like the one Saturday will always be needed.
Gina Sherwood, wife of Deputy Sherwood, issued a statement of gratitude Saturday:
"Greg and I are continually amazed at the outpouring support of the community. It has been a truly uplifting experience to watch the community come together as one to show their appreciation, love and support. We would like to thank everyone who has helped in anyway. Words cannot express the appreciation and gratitude we feel! This support reinforces the love Greg has for serving this community. He looks forward to returning to the job he loves and the community he loves to serve."
