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Suffern Police Fundraiser Commemorates Slain Dallas, Dart Officers

SUFFERN, N.Y. -- Suffern police have been holding a series of fundraisers to aid the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) officers killed during the July 7 sniper attack in Texas.

Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn (center right) and other Suffern police personnel have been raising money for those officers killed in the July 7 sniper attack in Dallas.

Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn (center right) and other Suffern police personnel have been raising money for those officers killed in the July 7 sniper attack in Dallas.

Photo Credit: Facebook
Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn (left) at the Scarr Funeral Home on Orange Avenue in Suffern

Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn (left) at the Scarr Funeral Home on Orange Avenue in Suffern

Photo Credit: Facebook

Dallas Police Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, Officer Michael Krol, Sgt. Michael Smith and Officer Patrick Zamarripa along with DART Officer Brent Thompson were killed when the shooter, driven by what he told authorities was a desire to "kill white people, especially white officers," opened fire.

In aftermath of the attack, police departments from across the country stepped up to provide comfort and aid to the affected Dallas law enforcement agencies and their families.

For its part, Suffern has been selling memorial t-shirt honoring the lives and heroism of the fallen officers.

The t-shirts cost $20 each. All proceeds will go directly to the families of the slain officers.

The fundraising effort is the latest of several activities honoring law enforcement that have involved Suffern police and other local organizations.

Earlier in the week, Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn traveled to Good Samaritan Hospital, where hospital staff presented the department with a large, hand-made display piece made of blue ribbons. The blue ribbon is a widely known symbol of support for police.

Later in the week, Osborn joined staff at the Scarr Funeral Home after the home raised a flag in support of law enforcement.

While selling the shirt on Saturday morning, Osborn said he hoped to raise between $10,000-$15,000 for the Dallas families.

Osborn said he and his department have often made efforts to support law enforcement agencies and the greater community wherever that support is needed, be it locally, regionally or nationally.

Specifically discussing the tragedy in Dallas, Osborn said the support has been overwhelming.

"Everyone here feels badly about what’s happened and this gives our department and our residents a way to go out and lend support," the chief said. "It’s difficult for us to get to Dallas, so we're reaching out to provide any services we can and to support the families by raising money. Supporting our law enforcement brothers at all levels is something we feel strongly about."

Osborn said the shirts will be available for purchase again this coming weekend or through contacting the department.

To purchase a shirt or to learn more about Suffern police and their efforts in communities both near and far, find the department on Facebook.

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