Long lines support deputy shot while on duty

West Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - More than 500 people showed up tonight for a benefit in honor of Mahnomen County Deputy, Chris Dewey. It's been almost a year since Dewey was shot in the head and stomach while responding to a routine call. Tonight, the money raised goes to help his family with expenses from his injuries.

The benefit officially started at five tonight, but shortly after four o'clock, lines started forming, and didn't slow down, all night. People didn't even mind standing outside, in the cold, or in the cramped indoors of the West Fargo VFW.

When you look at this line, it's plain to see we live in a special part of the country, a place where people will stand in line for almost an hour, to support a complete stranger.

“We got here about a quarter to six, but its well worth the wait.”

“Oh absolutely, you've got to come out and support this family. They've been through a lot, and continue to go through a lot, so we can stand outside for a least 10 minutes, to help him if we can.”

This time of year most people would agree, there aren't too many reasons to wait outside in the cold, but this is one of them.

“He did his job, and is suffering because of it, so we support him because of that.”

Lines stretched out to the hallway, and back in to the silent auction room. It gave people some time to browse through more than 100 items up for grabs. This show of support from total stranger is enough to leave people close to Dewey, almost speechless.

“I knew that it would be well attended, but I didn't think it was going to be like this.”

These strangers say it doesn't matter whether they know Dewey or not, being here is the right thing to do.

“You never know, one day it could be my family that needs this. And I think it's important that she needs to be by her husband's side. And whatever it takes to get her to do that and get him through this, that's what it takes.”

To give you an update on Dewey's condition, he's doing therapy with a stationary pedal bike to work on his strength. He still isn't talking yet, but was able to relax and watch the Vikings play on Sunday.

Tags: west fargo, christina vaughn, dewey, mahnomen, charity