Benefit set for memorial to slain Smithsburg Police officer

March 26, 2008|By MARLO BARNHART

SMITHSBURG -- In the months since the shooting death of Smithsburg Police Officer Christopher Nicholson, his friends and colleagues have been working to keep his memory alive.

The money raised by a Benefit Bonanza on Saturday, April 5, at the Williamsport Fire Hall, will go toward a memorial scholarship fund in Nicholson's name as well as for a granite memorial to the officer in Smithsburg's Veterans Park.

Only 400 tickets will be available for the bonanza. Tickets cost $20 each and include a meal by Leiter's Catering.

Nearly two dozen cash prizes will be awarded, ranging from $20 to $2,000.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the meal served at 6 p.m.

Susquehanna Bank branches in Smithsburg and Halfway are selling tickets. Donations also are being accepted at those two locations.

Nicholson was killed in the line of duty Dec. 19. Members of the fire company responded to the incident.

"We were there from the time of shooting until dawn to provide lighting," said Danny Gibson, one of the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Co. members who has been working on the memorial project since January.

Smithsburg Fire Co. President Philip Rohrer said ideas for a memorial grew into plans for the bonanza.

"The memorial will be a granite pillar on a granite base with a bronze plaque with a picture of Chris and an epitaph," Rohrer said.

Gibson said the event will feature tip jars.

"It's easier for people to buy their tickets at the banks, but fire department members will have some tickets, too," Gibson said.

Smithsburg Police Chief Charles "Chuck" Stanford said he and fellow officer Charles P. Johnson Jr. are volunteer firefighters.

Stanford recently went to Cambridge, Md., for a special service for the families of fallen police officers.

"Chris' family went, too," Stanford said. "They are doing as well as can be expected."

If you go ...

What: Bonanza to raise money for a scholarship fund in memory of and a granite memorial to Officer Christopher Nicholson

Where: Williamsport Fire Hall

When: Saturday, April 5; doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets available: At Susquehanna Bank branches in Smithsburg and Halfway.

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