SAN ANTONIO – The grieving family of San Antonio police Detective Roland Perez found themselves supported by the late officer's family in blue on Wednesday.
Perez, a 21-year veteran of the police department, died in August after a battle with leukemia. With the help of his family, Perez's fellow officers at the Prue Road substation organized a BBQ plate sale fundraiser. The money will go to Perez’s family.
"It's very important to show the family we're still behind Roland, that we still care about him and that we miss him," said Officer Felipe Serna, who helped to organize the event.
The event was originally planned as a surprise for Perez while he was alive, but when his brothers in blue learned that time was running out, they told him about their plans and said they would continue.
"We didn't want him to be forgotten. That's not our way," Serna said. "So that's why we pressed forward."
From the turnout in the substation parking lot, it was clear that Perez was in no danger of being forgotten anytime soon. Of the dozens of people waiting in line, many were connected to Perez or, at least, the police department.
"It's always good to see a lot of the old-timers come back and still support the blue," retired SAPD Officer Ruben Cerda said.
The show of support was welcomed by Perez's wife.
"If people could see from heaven, he would be able to see this clearly, how much he has been missed and loved, and how much he meant to the community," Rose Perez said.