LOWER BURRELL (KDKA) — Communities in Westmoreland County are coming together to support the family of fallen Lower Burrell Police Officer Derek Kotecki.

Firefighters held a boot drive Friday to collect money for the family. Donations poured in from drivers.

At Highlands High School, teachers donated $5 each to dress down for the day. Many chose to wear black.

Students in the National Honors Society organized a bake sale.

“Kids brought in dozens of cookies, donuts and so forth,” Sherry Armstrong with the high school said. “In the morning we had a big sale and we’re continuing it through lunch.”

Fundraising efforts at the high school brought in about $1,200. Roughly $200 came from the bake sale.

Outside city hall in Lower Burrell, a memorial grew at the hands of the community and businesses put up signs around town and some are collecting donations.

“He was always around watching out for everybody,” Brian Manners, of Computer Savers, said. “Like I said before, he’s a well-known officer here and he’ll be missed.”

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Westmoreland County News