TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - The Hooters on Monroe Street set up an all you can eat buffet to help raise money for a scholarship fund honoring Toledo's fallen police officers on Thursday.
Seven years ago, Keith Dressel was killed in the line of duty. The same thing happened 44 years ago with William Miscannon. Both families have come together to remember their loved ones and raise money for future police officers.
It's a friendship sparked by tragedy.
"It's the only other person in Toledo, I think, that I'm close with that's been in the same boat as I am, losing an officer," said Larraine Dressel.
Dressel lost her son, Toledo Police Det. Keith Dressel, in 2007 when he was shot while on duty.
"We struck up a friendship right off the bat and they are one of the best families you could know," said Diane Miscannon.
Miscannon's father, Toledo Police officer William Miscannon, was shot and killed during the riots of the 1970s, when Diane was just a child.
On Thursday, the pair joined forces to raise money and get a boost of support from the community.
"I get so excited 'cause I get to see all of these people again, and knowing they're remembering Keith, I love that part," said Dressel.
"I enjoy it because I was 10 when my father was murdered, and I didn't get to know him well. A lot of these people remember my dad, and I get to hear stories about my dad, and learn things I never knew," said Miscannon.
The money raised goes towards the William Miscannon Scholarship Fund at Owens Community College in honor of Keith Dressel.
Miscannon said organizers had their best year ever this time. They served 286 meals and beat last year's best of 213.
Saturday, July 12 will be the Det. Keith Dressel Memorial Ride.
