Community comes together for fallen officers' families

BRANDON, Fla. - Several shiny, detailed motorcycles packed into a parking lot, where lots of bikers stopped at the Big Belly's Burger Joint in Brandon.

There may be tough guys, but they've come out to support some even tougher ones. It's been almost 2 weeks since Tampa Police Officers Dave Curtis and Jeff Kocab were gunned down in what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop.

The officers may have been laid to rest, but it's clear from the turnout at events like this fundraiser for the officers' families, that they are by no means forgotten.

"The support, as you can see and hear right now, is awesome.", said organizer Chuck VanSickle. The motorcycle enthusiast, and the man behind this event, is also a Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy.

"It does hit home. I am a father, three children, and it just - I don't know what my kids would do without me around. So this is what we can do to give back to their families." he explained.

10-year-old Jack Ostrowski came here with his family to help. One day, like the officers and deputies he sees, he wants to help his community too.

"To make sure they're safe and protect the Hillsborough, protect Hillsborough." Jack said.

Admiration is what Emily VanSickle, says she has for her dad.

"When I was growing up, it just kind of seemed like my dad was just going off to work. But, now that I'm older, I realize that he's putting his life out on the line for the citizens." she explained.

After watching him mourn the loss of two men he never knew, and put together this fundraiser for their families, she says she wants to be just like him.

"It's just amazing what he does for a job." Emily said.

The fundraiser started an hour early because people just started showing up, and organizers planned to continue it well past their scheduled 6pm end time because of the overwhelming support.

Also at 28 Hungry Howie's locations throughout Hillsborough County today, employees gave out coupons and free drinks to anyone who donated to a fund for the fallen officers.

At last check they had raised at least $6,000.