On Memorial Day Weekend, Tina Bitner lost her husband. Her children lost their father.
"Jeremy gave his life for the city of Englewood," Mayor of Englewood Randy Penn said. "He did the ultimate sacrifice and this is a way for the city of Englewood to say thank you, Tina. Thank you, kids."
Officer Jeremy Bitner was killed during a routine traffic stop over Memorial Day Weekend. He was on the side of the road when investigators say an alleged drunk driver hit him .
Saturday, the city put together a fundraiser for the Bitner Family Memorial Fund. They held a silent auction, food vendors donated their services, and several bands played music.
Tina Bitner took the stage to urge people to be happy.
"I would invite everyone to please celebrate his birthday with us," Bitner said.
On Tuesday, Jeremy Bitner would've turned 40.
Englewood resident Donna Hopkins never knew Officer Bitner, yet she felt compelled to be a part of the event.
"I think it's important to support our community and especially under the circumstances," Hopkins said. "I think people need to come together, pull together when there's tragedy and help each other."
Mayor Penn is hoping to raise between $20,000 and $30,000.
"Anything over a dollar is fine," Penn said. "Hopefully, [the Bitner family will] spend it on whatever their family's needs are. I think that's the most important thing."
Tina Bitner declined an interview, but she did say her family is doing OK, but it is still very difficult.
Bitner had one simple message for the crowd: "Thank you guys for coming. We'll never forget."
(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)