One week after two Kissimmee Police officers were shot and killed, volunteers in Osceola County have raised more than $10,000 selling barbecue outside police headquarters.
- $10,000 raised for slain officers' families
- Volunteers selling barbecue outside KPD headquarters
- RELATED: Scholarships set up for children of fallen Kissimmee officers
"You know, it's time to start healing," said Vinny Barber, owner of Jimmy Bear's BBQ. "And we are here as part of the healing process to help the community."
Equipped with enough beans, slaw, and barbecue, volunteers served more than 1000 plates of food, just steps away from the memorial dedicated to Sgt. Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter.
Both men were shot August 18.
Officers arrested 45-year-old Everett Glenn Miller who they say is responsible for the shootings. The case is still under investigation.
Volunteers, mostly wives of first responders, spread the word that the barbecue is free, but donations are welcomed.
"With police officer wives or firefighter wives, it's something that's always on our minds as a possibility but it's not something that- you never want to hear that news," said Emily Anderson, wife of an Osceola County firefighter.
The group hoped to raise $10,000. They met their goal by 1 p.m., just two hours after they began serving.
"We raised money for the family to help them heal as well," Barber said. "It's never going to replace their loved ones but it's sure going to help make life a little bit easier."