Community Supports Police Commander After Son Shot In Line Of Duty
DENVER (CBS4)- Almost every month, Denver Police District 6 Commander Tony Lopez invites members of the community to meet him for a cup of coffee.
"It's just a chance for people to ask him questions if they want and he tells them all kinds of stories," Denver Police Officer Snow White told CBS4.
Commander Lopez was supposed to host "Coffee with the Commander" at Drip Coffee at 10th and Lincoln in downtown Denver on Friday, but couldn't make it. His son, Officer Tony Lopez, Jr, is in the hospital after being shot several times during a routine traffic stop Tuesday morning.
"It's just heartbreaking," said Jay Rust, District 6 resident. "It made my hair stand up."
Despite Commander Lopez's absence, many friends, colleagues, neighbors and strangers still came by the coffee shop to show their support.
"The community wants to reach back and give back to him because he's given so much to us," said Kathleen Rust, District 6 resident.
As dozens of people gathered in the small coffee shop, many took time to share their messages of love and prayer on a giant card for Commander Lopez. Among the many signatures were the names of two of Officer Lopez's youngest supporters.
"May God help if he has any more surgeries and with his healing," 9-year-old Braden Kushdilian told CBS4.
Braden's 4-year-old brother had a sweet message for the recovering officer, too.
Officer Lopez underwent another successful surgery Friday afternoon and is on the long road to recovery. White told those who came to the coffee shop she has no doubt "Junior" will be back on the job soon.
"I expect by next week he's going to be up and running around the halls" White said. "I really do. You don't keep Tony Junior down."
A mobile blood drive in Lopez's honor has also been set up by the Denver Police Protective Association. It will be held outside their Event Center at 2105 Decatur Street next Thursday. Bonfils encourages donors to reserve an appointment time at 303.363.2300 or sign up online at donors.bonfils.org with site code 7281.
Others may donate to the Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Bank at account number 23017285. Donors can call 303-458-6660, send checks by mail, or stop into any of their locations (www.rmlefcu.org). If mailing a donation please send it to 700 W. 39th Ave, Denver, CO, 80216, in care of Officer Lopez.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
