VALLEY PARK, Mo. - A Valley Park business is stepping up to help raise money for injured Arnold police officer Ryan O’Connor. It’s one of many fundraisers that have taken place since Officer O’Connor was shot in the line of duty early last month. But, this charity event takes the cake for its creativity.
“The Axe House” in Valley Park donated 50 percent of their sales on Sunday to Officer O’Connor and his family. Dozens of people came to the business to throw axes and show their support for the fallen officer.
"It's a gut wrenching thing when a fellow officer is injured in the line of duty," said Marc McGary.
McGary is a police officer at Washington University. He says anytime an officer goes down, he thinks about how it could easily happen to him. For him, he had to come and show his support for a fallen brother.
"[I] understand how fortunate I am that I’m able to do this job and I'm able to come home every night."
Arnold Officer Ryan O'Connor still isn't home. He was shot in the head last month, while arresting a burglary suspect. He's been recovering in a hospital ever since. A fight for his life with help from people around the community. People like Jeff and Lori Lofquist.
"We are all one team," said Jeff Lofquist.
The Axe House put on the fundraiser to help Officer O'Connor and his family through their toughest battle yet.
"I feel like it's our moral responsibility and our ethical responsibility to standup and say we appreciate what you do," said Lori Lofquist.
But, this fundraiser is a personal one for Jeff and his wife Lori. Jeff is a military veteran and now a freighter in Kirkwood. It's brave a job that this tragedy reminds them can have grave consequences.
“To have your life drastically change like that is horrifying."
No amount of money can change what happened to Officer O'Connor. But with love and support like this, anything is possible.
“Police and fire have a friendly rivalry but it’s a family,” Jeff said.
As of 6:30p.m., The Axe House raised more than $1,500 in counting. We will update this post when we get the final amount.
