Annual Patriot Golf Benefit honors El Paso Co. Sheriff’s deputy who died in the line of duty

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Every year, the Gleneagle Sertoma Annual Patriot Day Golf Benefit honors local military and first responder patriots. For its 21st year, funds raised from the benefit will go towards the family of an El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy who lost his life in the line of duty in August.

Beginning in September 2002, the focus of the event has shifted in the last three years to remember local fallen law enforcement in Southern Colorado.

This year, the fundraiser will benefit Deputy Andrew Peery's family.

"It's a great opportunity for the first responders who are here and get to see this fantastic outpouring of love and support," former El Paso Sheriff Deputy Scott Stone said.

Attendees of Tuesday's benefit said it provided a fun way for the community to get together and help out a worthy cause.

"This is a great opportunity for community members to get out and be able to not only have fun but also to congregate together and have that time to honor the first responders and military members who pay that ultimate sacrifice but also go out every day and protect our community," Stone said.

Local first responders, military, fire, police, and sheriff's departments play for free thanks to backers who sponsor the patriot teams to play. Sponsors can also sign up as teams too.

For people who aren't playing but still want to help, there's also an opportunity to donate and participate in raffles.

"Every year at our annual patriot golf benefit, we raise those funds for our local first responders and our fallen officer's family," Gleneagle Sertoma President Dr. Victoria Wynn said. "But the community loves getting together to offer that support. The families are very grateful to have that support. Not only monetarily, but just that everyone in the community reaches and gives their support."

Stone said that he was critically injured in an officer-involved shooting on Feb. 5, 2018. His partner, Micah Flick, was killed in the line of duty. He asks the community whenever they see a first responder to say a prayer, say hello, shake their hand, and thank them for what they do.

"That's the biggest thing we can convey to the community," stone said. "Make sure our law enforcement officers don't feel like they're alone in this fight."

Attendees say this benefit gives both the community and law enforcement alike a chance for everyone to come together as one.