San Marcos holds benefit for officers shot, wounded in line of duty

San Marcos holds benefit for officers shot, wounded in line-of-duty

In April, three officers were responding to a family violence call. The officers were ambushed and Officer Putnam was shot and killed. Officers Mueller and Stewart were critically wounded.

SAN MARCOS. Texas - The San Marcos Police Officers Association, alongside Tacos Flor Taco Stand, held a benefit to raise money for a fallen officer and other officers wounded in the line of duty,

In the parking lot of the San Marcos Activity Center, there was a make-shift drive-thru where volunteers handed out pre-packaged BBQ plates.

DOWNLOAD THE FOX 7 AUSTIN NEWS APP FOR YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

From 12 to 4 pm the money raised from the plates, t-shirt sales, and donations were given to the families of Officer Justin Putnam, who was fatally shot in April, and to Officers Justin Mueller, Franco Stewart, and Paul Beller who were recently wounded in the line of duty.

In April, three officers were responding to a family violence call. The officers were ambushed and Officer Putnam was shot and killed. Officers Mueller and Stewart were critically wounded.

Officer Paul Beller was injured by a moving vehicle in March. "We want Justin Putnam's family and our recently injured officers to know we continue to support them through their recovery," said Interim Chief Bob Klett.

Mueller and Stewart were at the benefit on Saturday and said the support from the community has been incredible.

“I can’t believe how many people blew up my phone when I first got my phone back,” said Stewart. “I had over 100 texts and I don’t even know how many phone calls and voicemails.”

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS

Both officers agree they have come a long way since that night in April, but still have a ways to go. “'I just like to say better every day,” Mueller said. “It’s a true statement. Like you said, physically and emotionally, you just work through it until it's done.”

As they are working through it, they said they have the support of the community and those around them.

To learn more about opportunities to give back to SMPD, follow them on Facebook.

Click here to donate online to the Officers and their families.