Serve & Connect offering fundraiser for families of Officers DeLong and Dymock

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As the families of Officer Chris DeLong and Officer David Dymock move forward from Saturday’s tragic shooting, Serve & Connect is offering a way for community members to give back.

Kassy Alia Ray started the organization in 2016 after her then husband, Officer Greg Alia, was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Following the tragic death of Officer Chris DeLong on Saturday, she shared a moment from Sunday’s memorial outside of the Columbia Police Department.

“I was with my two boys, Sal and Silas, and my husband Mitch, and we brought cards. As I put my arm around Sal, I said, ‘You know, this is exactly what people did for us when you were just a little baby, and I was holding you and people put flowers on your daddy’s car — and that’s why we show up for them. And it’s about knowing how impactful it is when people show up and show love and we’re proud to be among the many who are doing that for the DeLong and Dymock and Columbia Police Department family,” says Alia Ray.

Since its inception in 2016, Serve & Connect’s Tragedy Response Program has provided support to law enforcement families and agencies following critical incidents and line-of-duty tragedies.

So far over $15,000 has been raised for Officer Dymock as he continues to recover from his injuries, and over $34,000 has been raised for Officer DeLong’s family — leaving behind his wife Hannah and two small children.

Alia Ray says Serve & Connect will be there to help.

“I think at this moment, we’re just so focused on rallying support for Hannah, for her two sweet babies, and their family during this difficult time. I know all too well what that’s like, to not only have this earth shattering grief, to be losing the love of your life, but to really have this deep fear of how you move forward. And our hope is that every dollar that’s raised, every little amount we can bring, helps them grieve in peace, to show up for her family in the way that she needs and be able to grieve a little easier knowing that she’s lifted up and they’ll be okay,” says Alia Ray.

September will mark 11 years since Officer Alia was killed. She wants Officer DeLong’s wife Hannah to know she is here anytime she needs her.

“This is a terrible club to be a part of but now that you’re here I’ll love you through it, and love us together and move forward. I know it does so much for me to reach out to fellow widows and to be in that community with them and we will be here for Hannah as well as she navigates this difficult road ahead,” says Alia Ray.

To make a donation to help the DeLong and Dymock families, click here.