Elks Lodge 1795 hosted a benefit Sunday on Okaloosa Island for the families of fallen Okaloosa County Deputies Burt Lopez and Warren "Skip" York. On April 25, Lopez and York were trying to serve a warrant on 28-year-old Joshua Cartwright, who was wanted on domestic violence charges. Cartwright shot them both outside the Shoal River Gun Club, east of Crestview, and they later died at a hospital in Pensacola. Fellow officers remember two brave men who died as heroes.

Lt. Bobby Maloney of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office reminisces about two men "who were great, very professional deputies, great family men and great public servants."

Sunday's fish fry was a chance for people to offer assistance to the two families and the Okaloosa Law Enforcement Benevolent Association (OLEBA). The charitable organization is designed to help the families of officers hurt or killed in the line of duty.

Jimmy Bromley, leader of Elks Lodge 1795, says, "When the time comes and they become deceased, it's sudden and there's no funds, in most cases there's no funds available." Hundreds of people showed up to the benefit to make donations, eat fried fish and listen to live music.

Community members say events like this help with the healing process. Jack Bright with Elks Lodge 1795 says, "This community, they come so close together. I can't believe that this many people show up and just tries to do something for somebody."

It's been a tough year for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, losing Deputies York and Lopez in April and Deputy Anthony Forgione last July. But, Sunday afternoon was about fulfilling the silent promise that the community makes to take care of the fallen deputies' families.

Okaloosa County Commissioner John Jannazo says, "Okaloosa County has never lost any in the line of duty. It's a tough world and it's getting tougher."

The Okaloosa Law Enforcement Benevolent Association was founded in 2008. If you would like to find out more information or make a contribution, log onto www.supportoleba.com.