Officer Cem Duzel honored at benefit concert in Colorado Springs

Crowds cheered at the Stargazers Theater Sunday night for a country-themed benefit concert to honor Officer Cem Duzel.

Country bands Wireline Station, Sandy Wells, and Fire Line all performed during the three-hour event.

“It’s truly an honor, I can’t even express how honorable this is being able to use our talents as musicians and give back to our community,” said Valerie Carricato, a drummer with Fire Line.

(Blue lights featured on stage, as band Wireline Station performed)

The artist told KRDO it is a privledge to perform in Duzel’s honor and his courage inspired their group.

“It was amazing to see people in the community enjoying themselves, interacting with their cops, seeing people donate, it’s pretty cool, it makes me want to go back to work tomorrow,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Pete Carey.

While Duzel is still recovering at a hospital in Craig, he still enjoyed the performance via a lives tream on Facebook.

The event was sponsored by the Colorado Springs Police Protection Agency in partnership with Stargazers Theater. 50 percent of the proceeds will go directly to Duzel and his family.