CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Within an hour of opening Thursday, most of the seats at Charred Swift Creek were filled as the community turned out to support two Chesterfield police officers shot while responding to a call last month at a home only a few minutes away.
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 20% of the restaurant's profits will be donated to the families of Officers Jacob Clark and Jacob Wells. Both officers continue to recover after they were shot multiple times May 31.
"It really touched our owner, touched the community in general, so it just seemed like the right thing to do to help the families," General Manager Will McLaughlin said. "Our sister restaurant, Social 52, also is donating 10% of their sales from the day to the families as well. So, just looking forward to helping out the community."
Many of those arriving for the lunch hour were Chesterfield police officers, but other departments also turned out — including State Police and a motorcycle unit from Spotsylvania County.
Shannon and Becky Farthing drove up from Colonial Heights to show their support as well.
"I hope they get well really quick," Shannon Farthing said.
Becky Farthing said they are friends with one of the K-9 teams in Chesterfield — but not Knight, the 5-year-old dog killed in the same incident.
"For the police officers to have been shot in the line of duty, along with the dog, we can't do anything for the dog, but we can certainly try to support the two officers," Becky Farthing said.
McLaughlin said the restaurant also decided to name its dog-friendly patio in Knight's honor and will install a bronze plaque there in the future.
"They're an officer as well, and what the dog did was extremely brave, and you know, and I think it's important," McLaughlin said.
Officer Clark was shot seven times, while Officer Wells was shot twice. Both went through multiple surgeries, and sources say they are doing "well."
Thursday's fundraiser is not the only event held in honor of the officers. Johnston-Willis Hospital announced that a blood drive held last weekend collected over 100 units.
The restaurant also launched a T-shirt fundraiser to support the officers.
Charred Swift Creek is located at 13451 Hull Street Road in Midlothian.
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