Fundraiser in Kathleen benefits families of fallen officers

TAMPA - It's our mission here at ABC Action News to take action for members of our community. This  morning we invite you to help us take action for the families of two fallen police officers.

Jeff Kocab and David Curtis were gunned down in the early morning hours of June 29th -- during a traffic stop. That intersection of good and evil changed the lives of two families forever.

For any of us who have lost a loved one, certain images will bring back a familiar ache, the fight to hold back tears, the gentle rocking of grief. At the memorial service outside Tampa's Police Department, Sara Kocab, 9 months pregnant, honored her husband Jeff who was murdered.

But unlike most of us who have memorialized loved ones, Sara and her family had to endure this pain so publicly because her husband, a police officer, also belonged to us. As did Kelly Curtis' husband officer David Curtis. Also murdered that same night, Kelly must now raise their four boys on her own.

Mayor Pam Iorio spoke with both families.

"Two such brave women, you know they go from total anonymity to a situation where all eyes are on them and they have to hold up under that? It's one thing for people who are used to a lot of attention or having a camera focused on you. But these families, these two wives, that is not their life. They are just good people who live good lives and loved their husbands and just wanted good families," she said.

Chief Jane Castor adds, "I can only imagine what the families are going through. So that's why I stated we will be at their side from this moment forward."

Donations like the one we will be having at at Kathleen Middle School do help. For Juan Serrano, son of TPD Detective Juan Serrano who was killed in the line of duty in 2006, the Gold shield Foundation paid his way through USF.

Juan says, "When my father passed away it was my first semester in college and I thought i would have to drop out and get a job, I didn't know what else to do." Juan graduated in December.

So as you sit down to dinner and watch images of a tribute to two fallen heroes,we ask that you also remember their families who have one empty seat at their dinner table.

The fundraiser is today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

We will be there... So come out and say hello.